Seminar boosts regeneration drive Isle of Man

EFFORTS to breathe new life into the Isle of Man’s commercial centres have gathered momentum following a regeneration seminar held in Douglas.

The event provided a forum for interested parties to exchange ideas, information and experiences – and to learn about successful initiatives in the Island and further afield. Representatives from Scarborough Borough Council offered an insight into the town’s highly acclaimed urban renaissance scheme which had earned them the accolade of ‘Most Enterprising Council in Europe.’ Andrew Davison of English Heritage and Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage, shared their thoughts on heritage-led regeneration, while members of the Douglas and Ramsey Regeneration Committees delivered an overview of the projects they are currently progressing.

The seminar, opened by Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK, was organised to support the work being undertaken to enhance Island communities and stimulate fresh economic growth. Government has made available an initial budget of £8 million to fund projects that meet the requirements of the Isle of Man Town and Village Regeneration Scheme.

The aim is for people to get involved and drive forward plans to rejuvenate commercial centres in their local areas. Local Regeneration Committees have been established and several applications for funding have already been approved. A range of financial support is available, from small scale grants to achieve quick improvements to bigger projects designed to maximise the potential of towns and villages.

Regeneration Manager Linda McCauley said:

‘The seminar was a great success in terms of highlighting new ideas and drawing on the lessons learned from other regeneration projects. It also underlined Government’s desire to see the commercial centres of towns and villages playing a significant role in supporting local economies. The commitment, enthusiasm and budget are in place to benefit communities across the whole of the Island and the results will start to be seen as this work progresses.’