Douglas City Council says redevelopment of the Marine Gardens cannot move forward until long‑term sea defences for the Promenade are guaranteed.
The Council announced plans last year to revamp three of the seafront gardens and progress design work on a modern flood‑protection scheme as part of wider Promenade regeneration.
However, following further discussions on coastal infrastructure, the authority has been advised that the Department of Infrastructure has no current plans to install continuous sea defences along the full length of the seafront.
Long Term Protection
With coastal weather events becoming more frequent and severe, and the ‘sunken gardens’ already known to be vulnerable to easterly winds, high tides and storm conditions, the Council says it would be “premature and financially irresponsible” to invest in major redevelopment without certainty over long‑term protection.
The Marine Gardens, built in the early 1930s, were deliberately set below Promenade level to provide shelter from coastal winds.
While effective historically, the design now leaves them increasingly exposed to flooding and wave damage, a risk highlighted earlier this year when part of a garden wall collapsed following severe storms.
Council Leader Devon Watson said the gardens are “vital heritage” and that families “have a right to spaces where their children can socialise and play”, but stressed the need to protect public investment.
He added that attempts to secure a meeting with the Department of Infrastructure have so far been unsuccessful, but the Council remains hopeful that a joint approach with central government can unlock progress and allow full investment in what he described as “the gateway to the Island”.
