The future of Douglas, as envisaged by the Central Douglas Masterplan, was the theme of this year’s Mayor’s business lunch.

Deputy mayor Councillor Jon Joughin, Bob Dowty and Councillor John Skinner

Hosted by His Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Stan Cain JP the occasion provided an opportunity to set out the plan’s vision for a Douglas that was, in the words of Council leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP, ‘open for business’.

Councillor Sara Hackman and Jenny Zhou

In his speech Councillor Christian said the vision the masterplan offered was ‘inspiring’, one with the potential to bring ‘economic and social benefit’ to the capital. Acknowledging the plan would attract its sceptics he said there would always be those who believed the plan was ‘all pie in the sky’ at time a time economic uncertainty, to which his response was unequivocal: ‘To those I say this: Now is the time. Together we can make this work.

For if ever there was a time for meaningful partnership between business and government, this is it.’

Juan Clarke and Sue Gee

He continued: ‘Simply put, with private sector investment and government support, the masterplan has the power to unlock the latent potential of Douglas as a commercial, retail and cultural powerhouse.’

Phaedra Bird and Simon Leach

He went on to refer to the changing face of Douglas through the town centre regeneration scheme that had transformed Regent Street and Strand Street and the North Quay and how the Douglas Clarendon development was ‘breathing new life into a landmark harbourside site’.

Stephen Kelly and Julia Erskine study a Central Douglas Masterplan proposal

He then turned to the refurbishment of Douglas promenade. ‘What is especially exciting for the future of the capital are the proposals soon to be announced about the latest plans for Douglas promenade. After much deliberation and, it has to be said, heated debate on some occasions, a scheme has finally been agreed by the Council, which has played a major part in contributing to discussions since the refurbishment was first mooted, and I am pleased to confirm that, subject to Tynwald approval in October, it is envisaged work will start on the next phase in November this year.’

Referring to the masterplan’s ambitious vision he said: ‘What more ambitious plan could there be than a proposal to construct a deepwater berth at the Sea Terminal that will allow cruise liners to anchor in what is effectively the heart of town. A proposal that defines a prime objective of the masterplan: to encourage visitors to spend more time and more money in the town and the island generally.’

The ‘monumental’ scheme would, he said, be ‘one of the biggest the Island will have ever seen’ and would provide ‘inspiration, drive and encouragement for investors in the capital and in the Isle of Man.’

He said that realising the masterplan was fundamental to projecting an image and creating a gateway to the Isle of Man that said ‘open for business,’ adding: ‘At a time of difficult trading conditions and competition from other centres of enterprise in the adjacent isle, it’s never been more important to get that message across loud and clear.’

He closed by saying that with support from private investment the Central Douglas Masterplan could be ‘the key to that gateway and the voice of that message.’