Plans to replace the iconic TT scoreboard at the Grandstand remain on hold because of the ‘substantial costs’ involved in delivering a modern structure, the Isle of Man Government has confirmed.
The update comes after renewed criticism from spectators and residents during this year’s Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, with many questioning why the manually operated boards which once stood opposite the Grandstand have not been replaced.
Former Douglas Councillor and digital content creator Frank Schuengel was among those to voice his frustration.
‘There used to be a scoreboard here, complete with scouts and handwritten lap times, and we were all always saying, “Oh, it’s so important to traditions around the TT.”
‘Well, we didn’t maintain those traditions because the thing was so rotten, because it wasn’t maintained. They had to tear it down.
‘We were promised a new one for years, and it has never appeared. Apparently, it’s ready to be signed off, but nobody ever does. So, what exactly have the MHKs done the last five years?’
The original scoreboards were regarded by many TT and Manx Grand Prix fans as an iconic part of the Mountain Course experience.
Surveys and improvement works carried out in 2018 established that the structure was suitable for use only until the end of the 2020 racing season.
The Department for Enterprise subsequently consulted on options for a longer-term replacement, with a preferred design eventually identified combining traditional and modern technology.
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The plans included digital screens replacing the leaderboard panels, while the connecting sections would retain a more traditional appearance.
However, the old scoreboards were dismantled for the final time in 2020.
When racing returned to the Mountain Course in 2022, following the two-year Covid interruption, digital screens were used instead.
Four years later, the permanent replacement remains absent.
An Isle of Man Government spokesperson told Isle of Man Today: ‘While planning permission was secured for a replacement structure in 2022, the project remains on hold due to the substantial costs associated with delivering a modern replacement.
‘In the meantime, digital screens continue to be used alongside enhanced timing and broadcast services, while opportunities for future funding continue to be explored.’
Another familiar feature of the Grandstand also disappeared from this year’s racing calendar, with the rows of national flags traditionally displayed above the building not returning.
The flags, representing the nationalities of competitors taking part in the TT, had prompted questions from spectators.
She said she had been informed by the TT site manager on April 13 that the Department of Infrastructure had inspected the structure and found damage around the flagpoles.
‘The building is maintained by the DoI,’ she said.
‘I was informed by the TT site manager that the DoI had carried out an inspection and found that the structure around the poles was damaged and needed to be removed.’
The government has now confirmed that work is being considered to allow the flags to return.
‘A funding bid is planned by the Department of Infrastructure to replace the affected railings and to enable the flagpoles to be safely reinstated for future events,’ a spokesperson said.