The end date for the Douglas Promenade refurbishment scheme has been put back again.

The contractor, Auldyn Construction, now says that the planned completion date has moved to the end of September, a month later than the most recently announced forecast completion of the project.

Now the government has got involved to try to speed things up.

The Department of Infrastructure ’has taken parts of the project and is delivering these with other resources’, the government says.

The department says it remains committed to working ’proactively’ with Auldyn to provide as much support as possible during the final phases of the construction programme.

But it won’t all be over in September.

Following completion, Auldyn has a further four weeks to correct defective work, and the company is working alongside the rail corridor designer, Burroughs Stewart Associates, to prepare a proposal to correct the concrete defect before the end of this period.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ’Although I am extremely disappointed at this setback, the department will continue to do all it can to assist Auldyn in this final push for the end.

’There have been a number of unforeseen challenges which must be acknowledged, including a difficulty relating to COVID restrictions in accessing labour resources from off-island.

’A pragmatic and constructive dialogue continues with the company on finishing as soon as possible, but we will not allow the quality of the finished product to be compromised at this stage.’

He added: ’I recognise the effort and commitment of all parties to get this project concluded, and appreciate that many people, particularly those involved in businesses, are looking forward to our community enjoying its newly-refurbished promenade.’