A redevelopment of Peel’s East Quay will see the road facing two winters of closures.

Manx Utilities announced it will be laying new water and sewage pipes this winter and now the Department of Infrastructure is aiming to begin work on a major regeneration scheme in September 2021.

The project will lead to improvements along the length of East Quay, from the road bridge to the foot bridge, and will include Station Place, Weatherglass Corner and a section of the promenade to the MU pumping station.

Infrastructure chiefs have said the main features will see the carriageway and footpaths reconstructed and a flood defence wall built between the boat park and Station Place.

The carriageway will be fully reconstructed and finished in asphalt with a design life of more than 40 years. The new road will be designed to be capable of supporting crane operations on the harbour side.

The footpaths will have granite kerbs and be widened to a minimum width of 1.5 metres. They will be surfaced in a colour to compliment the sandstone of the local area and buildings.

A defined footway will be introduced at the edge of the harbour side. This will be finished in a different colour to the carriageway and at the same height.

The flood defence wall has been included to meet a need identified in a 2014 report by JBA Consulting. It will be faced to enhance the aesthetics of the area, and will include ladders to ensure full access to the marina.

A statement from the DoI said: ’There will be some reduction in parking, but this will be offset by increased provision on the road beside the House of Manannan. Services will be included to provide the option of future provision of on-street electric car charging points along East Quay.

’As East Quay is in Peel’s conservation zone this scheme is subject to planning consent. The DoI intends to submit a planning application within the next two weeks.’

Residents of Peel were able to see the plans for the East Quay last week in the Centenary Centre.

Manx Utilities’ scheme to replace sewage and water pipes along Peel’s East Quay is due to begin on Monday, September 7.