Ferry terminal set for improvement works

The Isle of Man's sole ferry port is set for a series of upgrades spanning almost a month ahead of the summer season.

The Department of Infrastructure said works to Douglas Sea Terminal, which welcomes ferry passengers from Liverpool, Heysham, Northern Ireland and Ireland, will begin 23 March to improve and upgrade its facilities.

Along with holidaymakers, the improvements will seek to enhance facilities for islanders who use the terminal "year round", the department said.

It will include flooring updates, internal painting and the replacing of doors, while it is hoped improved signage around the port will create a more "welcoming, accessible and functional" terminal.

The work, set to continue until 30 April, forms part of wider plans to improve the visitor experience for travelers to the island.

Bicycle racks will be removed on 20 March before work commences, with people being reminded to take away their bikes before that date, while some entrances will likely close while the work is carried out.

A government spokesperson said: "The Sea Terminal is a vital gateway to the island.

"Investing in the quality of this space supports a positive first and last impression."

The work follows the completion of a new Manx-funded ferry terminal in Liverpool to ferry travellers to the island which, since opening in 2024, has been affected by several recent closures for essential works.

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