Douglas centre units ready to be inspected

TRADERS at the fire-damaged Douglas Village Shopping Centre traders have been asked to return the keys to their retail units as works continue on the massive rebuilding project. 

Ray O’Brien, the owner of Music Zone Record Store in the centre, said traders have been asked to return keys so builders can assess the inside of units.

“I can only presume they want to take a look in the units and see how they are. I would imagine most of them are alright," he said.

Mr O’Brien, who is now temporarily based at Deanrock Business Park, said things had worked out well for him while the centre was closed.

“I’m tipping along here, there is ample parking which is great and the rent is a lot less which helps.” 

However, he said he was looking forward to the centre reopening in the summer.

“I am treating the information cautiously, what people say and what happens are two different things, but hopefully it does open in the summer.” 

The traders are awaiting a meeting at the end of January to learn more about the developments at the Douglas Shopping Centre.

According to centre manager Bartosz Mieszala, the centre is on track to open this summer.

Mr Mieszala said that there were weekly meetings with engineers to ensure the project was running smoothly.

The centre manager said that once the demolition is completed, the next step is to start the structural work in the car park of the centre which needs to be rebuilt.

Mr Mieszala said that at that stage everyone involved will know a bit more.