The capital has a new town centre manager appointed by Douglas Council.
Lifelong Douglas resident Oliver Cheshire has taken on the role with the council’s environment and regeneration department. His main brief will be to forge productive partnerships with the business community, particularly the town centre retailers, to help create a vibrant and thriving town centre to attract shoppers and visitors and generate new investment opportunities.
Mr Cheshire said: ‘I have watched how the town centre is being revitalised through regeneration and a whole range of events, from craft fairs to the Tower of Refuge walk. Douglas is a great town and I’m therefore delighted to have this opportunity to play my part as town centre manager to help to strengthen links with local businesses and the wider community so that we can create an even greater town.’
Before taking up his new post, Mr Cheshire was employed in the local finance sector for 13 years and also spent four years in retail management.
Council leader David Christian said: ‘The way people use the high streets and town centres is changing – they are no longer somewhere merely to shop but a leisure destination in their own right. The role of town centre manager is central to creating this new look and feel for Douglas as part of the regeneration process.
‘Oliver’s experience and insight will be a valuable asset.’