North Quay in Douglas is to be pedestrianised in the evening during the Festival of Motorcycling.
The move is aimed to boost the night-time economy and encourage more people to visit the area and enjoy the restaurants, cafés and bars.
The government it wants to create a ‘more relaxed, customer-friendly atmosphere’ by closing the quayside to vehicles and allowing additional space for outside seating and dining from August 22 to September 5.
The Department of Infrastructure, which is responsible for making road closure orders, has written to residents and businesses in the area to inform them of the proposals.
It will be inviting feedback at the end of the trial period to gauge the response to the initiative and to consider any concerns or suggested improvements.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘This latest initiative is one of the many ways in which the department is contributing to government’s national priority of growing the economy.
‘We are working in partnership with the business community to help support one of the island’s key commercial areas. Pedestrianising the quayside during the evenings will hopefully encourage more people to visit the establishments and enjoy the ambience this location has to offer.’
He added: ‘The scheme is being trialled for two weeks to coincide with the influx of visitors for the Festival of Motorcycling. We will talk to people and consider the feedback to see if the idea is a success and something that is worth repeating in future.’
Access to properties will be maintained for residents and the arrangements will be monitored to assess any policing or traffic management issues.
The string of pubs along the North Quay was once known as the ‘Barbary Coast’ and was a popular pub crawl for decades.
However, in recent years the term seems to have gone out of favour after pubs including the Clarendon Hotel and the Douglas Hotel shut down and the Bridge and British concentrated more on food.
Restaurants such as Samphire and 14 North have also pushed the area upmarket.
The recent opening of the Barbary Coast bar and restaurant in the building that replaced the Clarendon and Isle of Man Farmers’ Club has seen the return of a familiar term, although many younger revellers will be unaware of its historic resonance.
Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘As well as looking at innovative ways to attract new investment to the Isle of Man, the government is committed to supporting established businesses. Pedestrianising North Quay will provide extra space for pavement cafés and outdoor facilities to encourage people to spend an evening in Douglas with the marina as the backdrop.
‘If this initiative is a success it could be put in place for future events and attractions. It has the potential to create a real buzz on the quayside and a welcoming environment that is conducive to a good night out.’