New images of fire-ravaged Douglas shopping centre show vehicle still inside 

NEW images of the fire-ravaged Douglas Village Shopping Centre show that at least one vehicle remains inside the burnt out multi-storey car park.

The images show ongoing work at the centre, which has been closed since fire ripped through the car park more than four months ago. 

Demolition works began at the Centre in mid-November after heavy machinery moved on site.

Cars had previously been craned out of the car park but at least one vehicle remains. 

Traders are expecting an update from the owners on demolition work in mid-January.

The works, which are being overseen by Loftus Demolition, will see an area of the shopping centre that is equivalent to around 12% of the floor area dismantled before being rebuilt.

Trader’s received an email before Christmas saying there should be an update on the situation in mid-January.

With a major demolition and rebuilding job ahead, traders have been told it will be next summer before they can move back in.

Speaking to The Echo recently, Bartosz Mieszala, manager of the shopping centre, said:

“We’re on target to reopen in Summer 2020 which is the main thing.” Mr Miesla explained that the areas set for demolition include spaces across all three floors of the shopping centre car park.

“The section we’re taking down runs from the top floor to the ground floor and this section is being taken down completely, all the way from the top,” he said.

“This work will bring us into next summer on schedule and we’re positive that we will stick to that.

“The good news is the process is underway,” he added.

“It’s quite transparent how important the shopping centre is to Douglas, the community and for footfall in the area.

“We all can’t wait for next summer when it’s back to normal.”