Grandstand improvements still at an 'early stage'

Plans to improve infrastructure at the TT Grandstand and paddock are still at an early stage according to the Department for Enterprise.

The department’s proposals were approved by Douglas Council last week, but officials are keen to stress work has only just begun.

The DfE will work with planners, Manx Utilities and the Department of Infrastructure to turn its ‘basic scheme outlines’ into ‘deliverable projects’.

These will still need to go through the government’s budgetary process.

Despite seeking permission from the Council for work on the central pathway, connecting toilets to main drains, new fencing, and a new vehicle access point, the Department states ‘nothing has been decided’.

It’s expected further updates will be offered once the plans progress.

Complaints had been received by riders and fans in recent years over the condition of some facilities at the site. The department attributes much of the damage to poor weather and vehicle movement across the park land.

It’s aiming to ensure any new scheme reduces the ‘costs of hiring protective equipment’ for the site, and the ‘cost of reinstatement afterwards’.

By Ewan Gawne - Local Democracy Reporting Service