The Department of Infrastructure has confirmed additional measures to support the retail sector in Douglas in the run up to Christmas.
The outline proposals announced last month have been further developed in order to assist car park users and local retailers.
Following detailed consultation with the Department of Economic Development and representatives of the retail sector, Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK has announced that the two-hour free parking provision in Douglas Promenade disc zones will be retained.
The reduction to a one-hour disc zone on the Promenade was brought in to encourage a greater throughput of short-term users following a recent parking study. However, the Minister has accepted that the retail sector does not want this to be introduced. The change is likely to result in a £200,000 annual loss in expected income in the Department’s off-street car parks.
The pay and display car park will remain in place on the Promenade Walkway, but free parking will be provided on Sundays as well as Saturdays and Thursday evenings in the period before Christmas. These free parking measures will also apply at Chester Street car park.
Minister Gawne said:
‘As part of last month’s announcements I made clear that I would try to help the retail sector in the run up to Christmas. I am pleased that my ongoing discussions with my political colleagues have resulted in financial support now being offered to the Department to meet the expected losses these free parking concessions will incur. The parking provisions announced today will provide a timely boost to the town centre economy as shops gear up for their busiest period of the year.’
He added:
‘The Departments of Infrastructure and Economic Development have worked in close partnership to put in place the new arrangements. The changes will have an impact on the Department’s budget. However, subject to further discussion, Economic Development has undertaken to fund these parking measures for the current financial year to assist the retail sector. I am grateful for the support provided by Minister Skelly and his Department.’
Changes to parking in Douglas are among a package of measures announced by the Department of Infrastructure to help achieve its challenging budget target for 2014-15.
The Department has already delivered £4 million of revenue savings through the streamlining of its workforce, the merging of divisions and management structures and efficiencies generated through new shared services for fleet and estate management.
Additional income is required to ensure that Infrastructure meets its budget responsibilities in line with the Isle of Man Government’s national priority of rebalancing public finances by 2016.
Minister Gawne said:
‘The Department has always been mindful of the impact on the public and our retail economy when considering the introduction of new or increased parking charges. Our efforts remain focused on striking the right balance in what is an extremely challenging financial environment.’