Douglas City Council proposes city centre initiatives including sculpture and markets 

Funding bid submitted for projects aimed at boosting footfall and supporting local businesses

Douglas City Council is considering a series of initiatives aimed at increasing activity in the capital's city centre.

The proposals form part of the authority’s City Centre Strategy and include plans for a large moveable sculpture spelling “Douglas”, incorporating the Manx spelling “Doolish”, intended as a photo attraction that could be relocated around different parts of the centre.

DCC is also proposing to introduce single-seat cube installations with armrests along main shopping streets, designed to provide additional resting points for shoppers.

Additionally, a programme of monthly produce markets could be held on Loch Promenade between April and September to showcase local products and encourage more visitors into the city centre.

The events would be scheduled for the third weekend of each month, subject to approval from the Department of Infrastructure.

The local authority says the proposals were developed following feedback from a survey carried out by its Regeneration and Community Committee.

Douglas City Council is seeking support from the Department for Enterprise’s Local Economy Fund to deliver the initiatives.

It says up to £100,517 could be temporarily allocated from reserves, but the projects would only proceed if full funding from the scheme is secured.

The proposals are due to be discussed at this month’s full council meeting.