The aggregate, concrete, paving and tarmac that will be used to redevelop Douglas promenades would cover an area equivalent to more than 263 football pitches.

That’s according to Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK, speaking ahead of work starting on a £25m scheme to revamp Douglas seafront.

’This scheme will dramatically improve the state of the promenade and provide a major boost to the Isle of Man economy, in particular the construction industry,’ he said.

’A significant portion of the contract value, including virtually all the labour and haulage, will be supplied by the private sector.’

The project will involve:

â?¢ 16,000 tonnes of aggregate

â?¢17,500 tonnes of tarmac

â?¢ 3,000 cubic metres of concrete

â?¢ 12,000sq metres of block paving

â?¢ 9,500 units of kerbing

â?¢ 8,500 metres of rail

â?¢ 1,100 metres of safety fencing

â?¢ 250 metres of traffic separators.

The construction programme is expected to take up to three years to complete.

Justifying the works, the DoI says the road will ’ not require further reconstruction for a minimum of 40 years’.

A spokesman said it will provide a smooth running surface to make journeys far more comfortable and enjoyable for road users, improve the appearance of the promenade for residents and visitors and contribute to the lower Douglas regeneration programme.

A traffic management plan will be put in place to minimise disruption by maintaining two-way travel wherever possible.

The traffic flow will be controlled, where necessary, with narrow lanes, temporary traffic lights and a one-way system.

The South end (Sea Terminal to Broadway)

The horse tram lines will be removed from the centre of the road and replaced with a single tram line located along the seaward side of the road.

The roadway itself will have narrower traffic lanes in each direction, with greater emphasis on pedestrian areas and crossing points.

The North end (Broadway to Summer hill)

The twin tram lines will remain in the centre of the road, with other facilities such as pedestrian crossing points and parking remaining very similar to the current arrangement.

Junctions

Church Road (Greensills corner) and Broadway will be completely redesigned to assist with both traffic flow and pedestrian movements.

The newly created wider area in front of the Sefton Hotel and Gaiety Theatre will become a meeting place with architectural planting, seating, mood lighting and ergonomic street sculpture.