Douglas
Central
isle of man
Investment Prospectus
A bright A Bright future
future
Douglas Town Centre has a bright future.
This is a vision championed by Government but
It is the Capital of a vibrant, confident, and
delivered by many hands. Private investment
Douglas Town already a great place. successful IslandCentre state is and has exceptional
This is aThe vision championed by Government but is key. investment prospectus showcases
It is the Capital ofThere a vibrant, confident, and growth potential. is land available for
delivered bydevelopment many hands; and private investment the unique investment
successful state and has an is economy exciting new Island developments. There a visionthat to continues to grow. However, and theretoisadd untapped enhance heritage townscape world
is key. The investment prospectus opportunities in Douglas Central. showcases
growth potential, new land available for class buildings andwith spaces. People will delight exciting, fresh developments. There is a vision in the town – both locals and visitors alike – to enhance heritage townscape and to add enjoying its quality of life and sense of place. world class buildings and spaces. People will the entrepreneurial spirit comes first on The Isle delight in the town – both locals and visitors alike of Man and the future development of Douglas – enjoying the quality of life and sense of place. Central will be delivered by many people. The entrepreneurial spirit comes first on the Isle
the unique and investment Be part of development an exceptional future for Douglas opportunities Town Centre.in Douglas Central. Be part of an exceptional future for this exceptional Capital Town.
of Man and the future development of Douglas Central will be delivered by many people.
C h i e f Minis te r
Front cover image courtesy of Janice Farnan.
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Freedom to flourish in
Douglas Central I n t h e i n v e s tme nt pro s pe c t us we will‌
Establish the context of a thriving Isle of Man
Set out the vision for Douglas Central
Identify the key ingredients to future success
Describe the approach to change in key parts of the town centre
Invite you to be part of these bold plans
Location: The centre of the Irish Sea, 31miles from both Ireland and the U.K. Size: 221 sq. miles (33 miles long by 13 miles wide) Population: 84,500 (2011 Census), with a density of 226 people per sq.miles Capital: Douglas The Isle of Man has a distinct cultural and political identity. It is a land of opportunity where people and business can reach their full potential. The Island was rated 8th in the world by the World Bank in terms of the national income per person (2012).
Key
FACTS The Isle of Man is a unique place and as the Capital, Douglas is a focus for Island life. It provides a cultural and visitor destination
Douglas has a lot to offer: A growing population of over 85,000 people with continued forecast growth
as well as the premier location of Island shopping, eating and drinking. It is a gateway to the Island from the seas and its quayside, promenade and beach create a
Highly economically active residents of working age
A busy Island Sea Port
special character. The key strengths of the town are the starting points for the work ahead, which is already gathering momentum through recent Government and private investments.
Only a short 18 -20 minute drive from the Airport A 5 minute drive from enchanting open countryside
A thriving Isle of Man There is still much to do, but we build on firm foundations.
Successful business environment supported by Government
Compared to global trends, the Isle of Man has performed exceptionally well over the last
High regulatory standards, and a commitment to financial and supervisory standards
30 years and has enjoyed unbroken growth. The Island has many benefits for businesses and residents locating here.
Political & economical stability
Well connected with frequent flights to and from Europe & rest of world Excellent quality of life on an Island of outstanding natural beauty
Diverse economy, with growth in emerging sectors
Financial Support for those relocating or starting a new business
Clear & simple tax regime, and international tax agreements
A BOLD Vision Douglas will be a place for all to be proud of. An economically strong, dynamic destination and the world class Capital Town ‘where you can’. The gateway to the Island, where the wealth of opportunities and activities provide all the freedom to flourish and enjoy Island life.
An exciting place to invest and do business A thriving town centre & shopping destination A well connected and accessible town centre An attractive & engaging place to spend time A distinctive and sustainable Capital Town
The Next
Chapter
Help us build our Success This investment prospectus is a call to action for
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growing economy and robust financial A position. The Isle of Man is an enviable business location which has outperformed through the worst of the recent recession providing a place where people want to be and invest.
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n attractive location for businesses A and investors to locate through a simple tax regime with no Capital Gains Tax, Withholding Taxes or Wealth Taxes.
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n excellent place to live, access to a A high performing education system, a comprehensive health service and a range of high quality residential properties to suit all needs.
everyone interested in enhancing Douglas Central and supporting growth and development within the town centre. This is not about starting from scratch. Delivery is well underway across many projects and the conditions for growth are now very favourable. Our feeling is that the time is right to secure a step-change in development in Douglas. The key ingredients are:
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vailable land, within Government A control, which can lead transformational change. Private sector partners and delivery structures are being considered to maximise the regeneration. It is unusual to have land available for development in the heart of the town at prominent locations.
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trong political leadership based around S a clear vision for what is to be achieved. This is a vision and not a blueprint. The Government wants to work positively with private investors and developers to achieve success for all.
Villa M arina Ga teway
Villa Marina Gateway The Promenade Strand Street St George’s The Fort The Quayside
ina R oad
Riverside Gateway
Back
Mar
Maritime Gateway
ad
Project types: (using Strand Street area example)
Movement project within character area
Existing Planned Public Realm Enhancement
Bu
ck sR
oa
d
Strand Street
St
es org e G
sp e Pro
Market Street
Principal Link
Loch Promenade
Strand Street
Potential area of public space (Riverside Gateway only)
Castle St
Area with potential for change (Riverside Gateway only)
reet
Finc hR
oad
Public Realm project within character area
The Promenade
Marin
a Ro
Development project within character area
ct H
R lar
ill
cu Cir
d oa
tre lS ho At
treet
Duke S tree t
Victoria S
et
Lord St re
et
Quay North
CENTRAL DOUGLAS MASTERPLAN Masterplan Projects
rs
ide
ay h Qu Sout
Castletown Road
Gateway
Scale: 1:5,000@A3 Job: 6559 Reviewed by: AC Drawing: SP(90)15E
The
e ysid Q ua
a te
Th e F o
G
Ri ve
rt
Lake Road
way
Par ade
Banks Circ us
Str e
et
lace Bath P
M a riti m e
Character
Areas
A Vision for the Douglas Central area has emerged; this aims to connect the town centre and capitalise on the potential. To help communicate this vision we’ve looked at Douglas Central as a number of areas, each with a range of investment opportunities that can help deliver the next chapter in the development of Douglas.
The character areas include:
The Fort
Strand Street
Villa Marina Gateway
Riverside Gateway
The Quayside
Maritime Gateway
St George’s
The Promenade
THE FORT This area is focussed on a collection of prominent vacant sites under
The Fort will be a mixed use opportunity with uses appropriate to a
government ownership within the heart of the town. Together, sites
dynamic town centre. The conversation on uses will be ongoing, but
at Lord Street, Parade Street, Middlemarch and Cambrian Place
ideas so far are primarily based on leisure including, a hotel, cinema,
provide a unique regeneration opportunity to radically develop this
visitor centre, new retail and multi-storey car parking. Other ideas
part of town. The government will lead regeneration by delivering
may be equally appropriate. Links with Strand Street via Fort Street
(with appropriate partners) exceptional development on its land. But
and to the Maritime Gateway via Bath Place are key.
this project is about a coordinated effort. This involves all ownership interests and the public realm which links these sites. A new landmark public space is proposed, as is a winter garden. These will provide places to linger and relax throughout the year.
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STRAND STREET The vision for Strand Street is to enhance Douglas’ principal shopping street and grow the retail offer through new development opportunities. Government is already investing to enhance the quality of the public realm along Strand Street. Recent investments in high quality retail have broadened the shopping experience. But there is more to do and the government will support well-planned schemes which deliver high quality and appropriate retail along Strand Street, utilising land and sites along its length. Larger floor plan retail units will be supported with a wide range of options possible for integrating new shops in this area. The town centre Masterplan details some of these projects which include better connections east-west across Strand Street linking upper and Lower Douglas.
Image of Regent Street from Strand Street showing completed regeneration works.
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VILLA MARINA GATEWAY Action in this area should focus on high quality cultural activities, supporting and improving existing facilities. Villa Marina and the Gaiety Theatre are integral to this. Activities and uses which complement and contribute to the cultural identity and vitality of this area will be supported. This could include galleries, places to eat and drink and boutique retailing. The environmental quality of the area will be improved, making more of Villa Marina Gardens, improving the evening environment and strengthening connections to the Promenade.
RIVERSIDE GATEWAY The Riverside Gateway has the potential to create a new arrival point for Douglas with a more distinctive and attractive riverside setting. A new bridge link is proposed to connect Old Castletown Road and Lake Road and this could take the form of a pedestrian / cycle bridge or a new piece of strategic highway providing full vehicular access to the town centre. The latter would bring with it an opportunity to improve traffic access and circulation in this part of the town.
A mix of uses, including residential, will be appropriate and the emerging planning framework for this area (Area Plan for the East) would inform this. Ideas around land uses which have been explored, but not confirmed through the masterplan have focused principally on this area as playing an important supporting and servicing role for the town centre. At this stage no definitive mix is prescribed or approved.
The amenity of the river is also important to recognise and recent residential development nearby will provide a flavour of the new uses for this area. The new bridge would enhance access into town and any new development must create a fitting gateway. Walking and cycle links to the north-west connecting sports and education facilities are also important. 23
THE QUAYSIDE Activity in this area is focused in the first instance on supporting the
This will be a calm and planned process and will be undertaken in
continued growth of the evening economy and evening activities
partnership with business and landholding interests. The operational
along North Quay, with a longer term ambition for South Quay
harbour and Quayside will be the centre-piece and more visitor
to evolve into a new residential area for the town. North Quay
mooring should be provided to capture new spend. More people
already benefits from an improved environment with many thriving
living, enjoying and spending leisure time in this reinvigorated
businesses. South Quay requires coordinated action to improve
quayside will be the sign of success.
environmental quality and to relocate some uses to other more appropriate sites in the longer term.
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MARITIME GATEWAY The sea terminal in Douglas is an iconic building which has
as iconic as the one it replaces providing one of the greatest urban
acted as the gateway to the Island for many years. Through the
design and architectural projects the Island will have seen. This
masterplanning of the town and the future growth and ambition
would be a transformational development.
of the port operation it has become clear that there is a bold opportunity in this area. The creation of a new maritime gateway is the concept, which brings together an enlarged operational port, a new cruise liner berth and a new state of the art sea terminal building. In addition there will be an opportunity for substantial new commercial development in this area, which could include a range of new uses.
Early suggestions include a penthouse restaurant and bar, a high level viewing platform / venue, a boutique hotel, residential opportunities and business space. The new development would be
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ST GEORGE’S Action here should support investment and growth in the principal
The development of vacant and underutilised opportunity sites will
business and Government / Civic district. Development activity will
be encouraged to promote a more vibrant and distinctive place.
be set against rationalisation of government office space and the
Landscape improvements to the area would focus around St.
changing commercial office market / need. A more flexible approach
George’s Church.
will be considered, recognising that the primary role of this area will continue to be as a place to work and do-business, but that other uses may equally be of value. Residential development in this area will bring more people to the area for longer.
Image courtesy of Janice Farnan.
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Image courtesy of Gary Harrison.
THE PROMENADE The promenade is a distinctive part of the town. Government is investing to enhance the public experience along the Promenade through regeneration works. This includes improved surfaces, lighting and better connectivity into the town. There will be opportunities to enhance the quality of the place through existing and new developments (and businesses), which edge and define the Promenade. In addition there may be opportunities for ‘pop-up’ venues such as cafes and bars along the promenade to add more life to this area through summer months and busier periods. Creative and innovative ideas are welcomed for this area.
Image courtesy of Janice Farnan.
Be pa rt o f
these bold plans Douglas Central is a key part of government’s plans. There is firm resolve to deliver transformational change. This will be delivered in partnership with private sector investors, developers and stakeholders. In fact it will be the energy, entrepreneurship and creativity of private investors and developers that will carry forward the vision for Douglas Central. Government wants to deliver the very best and work with the very best. If you want to be part of the vision please contact:
Andy Bostock Development Manager Andy.Bostock@gov.im 01624 687 361
For further information on the Island please visit www.whereyoucan.com www.visitisleofman.com