Lord Street bus station: where's the detailed plan?

MHK says DoI report on site is 'wholly unacceptable'

A Douglas MHK has criticised a report from the infrastructure minister on plans for the Lord Street bus station site, describing it as 'wholly unacceptable'.

In July Tynwald resolved that the work for new bus facilities in the capital was a priority, and a 'detailed plan' of how these could be re-instated should be presented by the end of the year.

Joney Faragher says the letter ticks 'none of those boxes'.

In his report, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall admits that new bus station facilities for the Lord Street site in Douglas are still 'some time away' - though it remains the 'best option for the capital'.

The department has considered 'short-term improvements' the facilities there he says, ahead of more permanent provision.

He also reveals that using the area in front of the Sea Terminal for a bus interchange has been considered, but it was found the entrance and exit points and limited area for parking and manoeuvring buses makes the option unviable.

Joney Faragher says the letter is 'wholly unacceptable' adding she's 'deeply disappointed that this is the result of the resolution'.

In his conclusion, Minister Crookall says: "The Department’s view is that options for the creation of a modern fully equipped travel centre with all the facilities expected of such a provision and, critically, located in the most convenient and accessible part of the city centre, are limited by space constrictions generally, and the Lord Street site remains the best option available."

"Accordingly, the Department suggests that it continues to works closely with the developer of the site to inform on the precise requirements for the new travel facilities and assist wherever possible in bringing the development to fruition.

"This would be the core of the Department’s Plan to ensure that the desired travel centre comes forward in the most suitable location with each of the separate facilities included in the proposed development."