A planning application has been submitted as part of a Douglas City Council initiative to regenerate two of the six Marine Gardens.
A total of £1.47 million has been budgeted for the whole scheme, across the three sites, and is included in the local authority’s Capital Programme.
The planning application follows two public consultation events organised by the local authority last summer when residents were able to view a display of potential designs.
Three different concepts were developed combining opportunities for play, activity and relaxation, all situated within complementary planting and sheltered spaces which were presented for each of the three sites featuring three key principles:
- An iconic landmark play area in Marine Garden 4
- A diverse garden with activity for urban sports and play for all ages in Marine Garden 5, taking inspiration from the work of Archibald Knox
- A space with an identity and flexible use aimed to create a greater sense of arrival and destination at Queen’s Gardens.
After the proposed designs gained approval from the Council’s Executive Committee, plans for the scheme have now been finalised and officially lodged with the planning committee this week.
Plans Finalised
Proposals for Marine Garden No. 4, located on Loch Promenade within the walled sunken gardens, feature a rejuvenated play area that appeals to a wide range of ages and abilities within a garden setting, including sensory, exploratory and social play.
Influenced on the seafaring history of the bay, based around the story of the Tower of Refuge, feedback centred on the need for a diverse approach to play with challenging equipment, but also a playful landscape for exploration.
Also incorporated in the plans are quieter breakout spaces for families to relax, including sheltered seating for carers and parents which allows residents to enjoy the prom on wet or windy days.
Marine Gardens
At the forefront of the design for Marine Garden No. 5, the smallest of the sunken gardens, is a unique garden space with a focus on activity that appeals to younger adults.
The proposed layout allows for varied routes and sub-spaces through the garden with social seating, surrounded by a rich planting palette, selected to suit to the waterfront climatic conditions.
The additional layer to the design is its capability to informally accommodate occasional urban sports and wheeled sports fraternity like scooters, skateboards and roller skates.
Based around the principle of encouraging increased activity especially for younger people and families, the design takes inspiration from Archibald Knox which is evident in the design layout and formation of the furniture.
The design options for Queen’s Promenade Gardens aim to enhance the sense of arrival and create a true destination at the promenade’s end.
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