Businesses Are Wrong, Our Surveys Say Otherwise – City Centre Management

Douglas City Centre Management (DCCM) has basically told the internet and Douglas businesses to pipe down, insisting there is plenty of parking in town, if people would just look properly.

This comes after months of grumbling from locals, traders, and social media warriors who’ve claimed the capital is turning into a no-go zone thanks to a lack of spaces.

Some even suggested free parking on the Prom all year round, not just at Christmas.

But DCCM have now come out swinging, armed with clipboards, data, and more optimism than someone trying to parallel park on Loch Prom.

In April, they asked the public what would tempt them back into Douglas for shopping or socialising. The top answer? Parking. More of it. Cheaper. Or preferably, free.

So DCCM went away and did two surveys during peak times at public car parks.

And their findings? An average of 250+ spaces available at weekday lunchtimes and 500+ on Saturdays.

Their message? Douglas isn’t short on parking. You’re just not looking in the right places.

‘There’s a risk that when people constantly hear there’s “no parking”, they simply avoid coming into the city centre,’ a brave DCCM spokesperson said.

‘That perception is not only inaccurate but can be potentially damaging to our economy.’

Translation: Stop saying it’s rubbish, you’re making it worse.

DCCM reckon the real issue is awareness, not availability.

Their top tips include two hours of free disk parking on Level 1 of Chester Street, regular spaces at Drumgold Street, and just £2 a day at Shaw’s Brow on weekends.

Something that doesn’t really quash the whole ‘we want free parking’ agenda but thanks for reminding us where our multi-storey car parks are.

Of course, their timing hasn’t helped.

Back in June, the infamous DIY car park on the old Lord Street bus station site was finally shut down.

It had long been a chaotic, unregulated free-for-all, beloved by drivers who liked their parking free and their risk of getting boxed in high.

But it’s now fenced off, with a cinema, apartments and a shiny new bus terminal on the way (maybe, eventually).

Some traders aren’t buying the ‘plenty of spaces’ line.

Fork It café said online recently: ‘Parking is clearly an issue for our local residents being able to access town. Free parking on the promenade all year round – not just at Christmas – would be a great start.’

The Eatery and Capone’s chimed in too, saying dodgy parking options are hitting footfall.

In response, DCCM say they are listening, promise more improvements via the upcoming City Centre Strategy, and may even look at free peak-time parking or better disabled and parent-child provision.

But for now, their message is simple: ‘There IS parking in Douglas – and lots of it.’

So before you go posting another ‘can’t park in town’ Facebook rant, maybe check Level 1 at Chester Street first.

What do you think? DCCM being brass necked and ignorant? Or their surveys are bob on and us Manxies are moaning over nothing? Let us know at hello@gef.im.