ALTHOUGH signs may state ‘businesses are open as usual’, shop owners in Wellington Street hope that the message is heeded.
Chris Pycroft, development manager from Douglas Development Partnership, has formally written and consulted with businesses in Wellington Street. In his letter he says: ‘During the first phase of the work there will be no pedestrian or vehicular access between the Slug and Lettuce and Thomas Street.’
The first phase proposes to resurface this section of the street with work beginning on January 30 and scheduled to take approximately 12-weeks.
The second phase will ensure the rest of the street’s paving is complete, where work will be carried out between the Slug and Lettuce and Duke Street. This will take place between July and September.
He added: ‘During that phase it is hoped to maintain pedestrian access during business hours. However, I shall contact you again with more details for that phase once they are known.’
When speaking to proprietors and shop assistants in Wellington Street there seemed to be a general consensus that the regeneration work overall was welcomed, but what they couldn’t understand was why it would take six-months – if work goes to schedule.
It was also noted that this is not the first time the street has had work done to it – just a few months ago the MEA dug it up due to a fault. However, they managed to dig up and relay half of what is proposed in the regeneration in just one week.
Trade was also disrupted by the demolition of the old building where Pickwicks was formerly.
Above these worries, is the uncertainty surrounding pedestrian and vehicular access and a possibility of absolutely no access whatsoever throughout both phases.
NATASHA CARTER spoke to five businesses in the street to get their views.
Owner of Abode Mary Mason said: ‘We welcome the regeneration as a whole, and I agree it needs to be done but we don’t understand why they have picked such a complicated design that takes so long to do.
‘Business hasn’t been great, although it’s been better in the January sales, but in an already difficult time this could finish businesses.
‘It would help if they could do things a little quicker.’
Deputy manager of Slug and Lettuce, Phil Holdcroft said: ‘The length of time will put us in turmoil. You can’t close it off to pedestrians completely because if they have to walk all the way round, they will walk past about six other food retailers before they get to us.
‘I agree with the regeneration – it’s great what they have done – but consideration needs to be given to businesses here at the moment.’
Piercer Paula Keenan, at Manx Tattoo, said: ‘People are going to have to walk the long way around to get here and there are other tattoo parlours in the island they can get to more easily.
‘If people have pre-booked to have a tattoo it will be okay, but for piercings and the shop I don’t think it will. This is something we could do without.’
Shop manager at Manx Tattoo, Rachel Fox added: ‘In the summer it is our peak season as it’s holiday season, and holidaymakers might not even know we’re here if the street is closed off.’
Philomena Kenna, owner of Chique said: ‘This street has been dug up quite a few times now and I sincerely hope this isn’t going to affect business.’