Douglas Council planning application for sunken gardens published

It will feature a new children's play area and a revamped Queen's Gardens

Douglas Council has submitted a planning application for the £1.4 million redesign of the sunken gardens.

The local authority hopes that a 'sympathetic' scheme will help the promenade become more utilised.

Plans include a replacement children's play area with a shipwreck climbing frame which will be 'adapted' for the sea environment, as well as a hammock and a slide.

Two 'phones' would be installed, along with a small sailing boat frame. 

New seating and benches are in the design and the old kiosk will remain as well as the lawn space. 

A skate park will be incorporated into one area amongst new seating and plants. 

Three different elements are in the plan, including a rail, a 'hubba' and a 'sculptural' skate feature.

A new ramp would be installed to make the garden wheelchair friendly, and step free paths would be created. 

The council said designs for Queen's Gardens have been created for 'flexible' use by the public. 

It said feedback from residents mentioned the lack of seating and usable areas. 

The beach huts, toilet block and the IRIS building would be retained as part of the plan. 

But a new water feature would be developed as well as an outdoor beach shower for sea swimmers. 

A decked seating platform would also be built next to the beach huts.

Benches and covered seating have also been included, whilst 'play boulders' would be installed for children in the garden. 

A lawn for recreational use has been kept and the Manx stone lighting plinths will also be retained as part of the redevelopment. 

The scheme has been undertaken by the council following Storm Barra in 2021 which damaged parts of the sunken gardens.

The full application can be found here with reference code 25/90144/B.