As it is some months since we last gave any update or Hard News many of
our Members and Well-wishers could be forgiven for thinking we had given
up in despair following the revelation of the cost of repairs as
presented in the "Report of the Morton Partnership" to Tynwald
in November 2002. Nothing could be further from the truth! Please let us
bring you up to date with what we have been doing "Post Morton".
Following much lobbying pressure from you, our loyal supporters,
Tynwald instructed the Department of Transport to compile a full report
into the cost of repairs to the Queen's Pier. The Report to be presented
to Tynwald no later than their October sitting. DoT (in conjunction with
Manx National Heritage) selected the Morton Partnership to undertake
this report, which they duly did.
There is nothing
wrong with their report! The Morton Partnership reported in line with
their Remit, which was to restore the Queen's Pier to its Original
Condition. This is exactly what they did!
However,
without going into detail, the Morton Report was no more conclusive
than any of the other reports undertaken over the years since the Pier
was closed on alleged safety grounds. There are several assumptions
requiring a Quantum leap in faith in translating sample tests into a
full condition analysis which, together with the suggested use of high
cost materials where cheaper acceptable substitutes would suffice,
give rise to concern. Would it be cynical to suggest that this is what
is known as "the Conservation Route to Demolition"?
Whilst the Isle of Man
economy remains buoyant and Government Coffers full, "The Friends"
are being realistic in assuming that the high costs shown in this
report would be unacceptable to Tynwald. (Although we would delighted
to be proved wrong.)
Faced with this, we have
explored ways of achieving our aims, of a Pier that is fit for use
whilst retaining its Victorian Appearance, by use of modern materials
and methods where this would not detract from the 'heritage' aspect.
We have also examined what use can be made of local labour and
manufacturing facilities. We are confident that our costs are very
robust whilst at the same time being considerably less than those
suggested in the Morton Report.
It is our intention to
make this available to Dept of Transport Engineers, as well as other
interested parties, with a view to seeing how best to resolve the long
awaited refurbishment of Ramsey's Royal Pier.
The late Queen Elizabeth,
the Queen Mother, was the last Royal to use the Pier. We can think of
no finer tribute to her Memory than by starting the restoration of the
Queen's Pier in the Golden Jubilee year of her daughter, Queen
Elizabeth.
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