Approval sought for £2.4m scheme to revitalise high street

Initiative hopes to increase footfall and reduce empty premises

A multi-million pound scheme aimed at revitalising the Island's high streets will be considered in Tynwald later this month.

Members will be asked to approve the Local Economy Strategy, along with proposals to provide financial assistances for projects in the city, towns and villages.

The Department for Enterprise published a draft version of the strategy in August, outlining how it intends to support retail, leisure and hospitality businesses over the next 10 years.

An updated version of that document has been published for consideration at Tynwald this month.

It now includes an increased focus on parking, adding the need to support local authorities and other stakeholders to resolve specific challenges to parking and accessibility.

However, a commitment to attract private sector investment to fill leisure gaps and meet business unit requirements has been removed from the strategy.

Members will also be asked to approve the relaunch of the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, which the DfE says will provide financial assistance to improve the appearance and commercial premises and create civic amenity projects.

DfE says an initial £2.4m in funding has been set aside for the strategy, which businesses and local authorities will be able to access.

It's hoped the strategy will reduce the number of empty properties in town centres, increase footfall, and improve the Island's urban areas.