A historic wall at Castletown quay removed as part of the Costa Coffee development will be reinstated, promises Manx National Heritage (MNH).
The removal of the wall – believed to date from the late 1700s or early 1800s – has caused some consternation.
At last week’s commissioners’ meeting Peter Hill-Heaton said: ‘A couple of people have had a go at me [about the wall]. The wall has been there for over 100 years. I explained there was damp in the wall. The wall came down to floor level, you can sit there and watch the view.’
Kevin Weir added: ‘MNH own it, they are not going to let anything untoward happen there.’
One anonymous caller contacted Isle of Man Newspapers complaining about removal of the wall and upset about the dangerous state of the road in the area, where there is scaffolding.
However the heritage group said its removal is temporary and to ensure public safety the quayside lane will be closed to the public until work is finished.
MNH said: ‘Work is taking place at the former Castletown Benefits Office, also known as the Castlegate Building. The project includes sensitive redevelopment of the site to include a new Costa Coffee facility in Castletown.
‘MNH is currently carrying out works to repair the structure of the building. Following completion of this work, interior fitting-out of the new café facility will commence.
‘As part of the initial site investigation works, MNH had identified some void areas beneath the building and we are now working to stabilise and consolidate the ground conditions.
‘In accordance with the planning consent, a section of the wall fronting the harbour has been temporarily removed. This wall, including the original facing stone, will be reinstated as part of the development.
‘During this stage of the project, in the interests of public safety, it has been agreed with the Department of Infrastructure that a temporary closure of the quayside lane will be put in place.
‘This walkway will be reopened as soon as it is safe to allow public access. MNH apologises for any temporary inconvenience.’