Horse tram offering at risk if Tramway Terrace solution not found

Infrastructure Minister quizzed on future of building in Tynwald

There are 'absolutely no assurances' with regards to what happens next with Tramway Terrace.

That's from Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall, who has been addressing concerns about the future of the site in Tynwald this morning.

In October last year, the DOI produced plans to demolish the building - but these were retracted two months later after a report from DEFA questioned the evidence basis for that decision.

Mr Crookall told gathered members the future of the site will become clear after more inspectors have surveyed it.

He stated his department is expecting an inspector on the Island 'towards the end of this month', and that further health and safety inspections will also be made.

But he had this warning ahead of the upcoming tourist season:

Elsewhere, the cost of scaffolding the building whilst its future is up for debate was questioned by MHKs.

When asked what has been spent each year since 2018 on building maintenance and scaffolding on the site, Mr Crookall revealed specific spending since 2018 is 'difficult to ascertain', stating the Department does not break down expenses on the Strathallan site to each individual element of the complex.

With regards to the entire site (including stables, ticket offices etc.), Mr Crookall provided the following breakdown:

• 2018/19 - £5,634 was spent on building maintenance and there were no scaffolding charges
• 2019/20 - £10,539 was spent on building maintenance and £1,150 on scaffolding
• 2020/21 - £10,998 was spent on building maintenance and £4,555 on scaffolding
• 2021/22 - £13,209 was spent on building maintenance and £8,820 on scaffolding
• 2022/23 - £20,688 was spent on building maintenance and £7,620 on scaffolding
• 2023/24 (to date) £15,174 was spent on building maintenance and £17,560 on scaffolding

The total since the DOI took over responsibility for the building in real terms for building maintenance and scaffolding totals £115,947.

It also implies a jump of around £10,000 has resulted since scaffolding was advised for Tramway Terrace.

Today's sitting is ongoing, you can listen live via our AM 1368 frequency, on DAB and online.