Gary and I had some chores to do down Parliament Street. Gary hasn't ventured to the far side of the high street for awhile and was surprised at the amount of empty property, namely shops. I had kept him informed, but reality really hit home when he saw it, the vacant properties for himself.This is one of many building along Parliament Street, Ramsey that is currently up for sale. Parliament Street is the main high street of Ramsey, where the majority of shops, pubs banks etc are. This is the top half. The underneath used to be a computer shop. It's been on the market now for quite a few months. As you can see this is what you would call "Prime Real Estate. " It's central for starters. Near the Post office, opposite cashpoints, the Police station etc. I mean this is prime for a flat conversion and retail outlet underneath. So any budding business types out there, forget Douglas, come to Ramsey. If you could make it an Italian restaurant that would be perfect. Failing that a decent Greengrocers full of local produce.
Today we counted 6 empty shops. More soon possibly. There is a meeting to be held to discuss the situation in Ramsey concerning the retail economy. I mentioned the shop situation before to the powers that be that may stop by the blog. I ask again. New hotels and apartments are a fabulous idea in theory. Without retail outlets for tourists and locals to shop, eat, bank in tourists will not check in those hotels, and residents will not reside in new apartments they can't afford as their shop job in Ramsey no longer exists to pay the mortgage. Don't let Ramsey go under with the current financial climate.
I was sheltering in the doorway of another empty shop to take this as it was raining, hence the grainy quality. Of course I totally planned the intense blackest of birds to fly into shot against the light building. Ok, it was our old friend serendipity again flying past. Not the cheeriest or wittiest of posts but I want my voice heard, and that of other Ramsey residents who echo my thoughts. Ramsey is in the process of regeneration, but the cash has to go into the right ventures for it to survive. If you're a resident who follows this blog please have your say, even anonymously. It's our town and we want, no need it to survive in order to flourish.
24 comments:
And I thought that you'd sent Gary up a ladder to draw the bird in, removed the ladder once he had come down then took the photo.....I agree whole heartedly with what you are saying about attracting business. Too many shops have closed down in recent months and this need addressing. The local commissioners should make it worthwhile for shopkeepers to open up here. The problem is only Ramsey people shop in Ramsey. Why would someone from Douglas travel up here to do the shopping when they can get it on their own doorstep. Whereas Ramsey people are always traveling into Douglas because the choice is that much better. The government should make premises available for re-location and spread the businesses around instead of grouping it all together in Douglas. Lets get something attractive in the town....Build a good class restaraunt on the end of the re-furbished pier which has links to the MER and finally get the new marina built.......
Great capture, the bird the building, you're a great photographer!
and thanks for the story~
I wish Ramsey and those who love it great ideas, perseverance, and clear insight into what is best for your beloved city. And I love that line, serendipity again flying past.
I like the bird flying in front of the building. Great contrast.
Hello Babooshka !
Thank You for the hsitory...
The bird wants to buy the bilding ???
Smile...
Beautiful photo !
See You later.
Interesting post, and the birdie adds a special touch to your photo!
That's one good looking building. I wish I could come over, buy it, and set myself up in there.
Also her there is a lot of property up for sale, mainly appartments. Yes, the financial crisis is hitting hard!!
Nice building and that black bird looks great against it. So Italian is what you want huh?! Sounds good!
Great post! You are too cute. Love from the Prairie.
Wll said. I never shop in Ramsey. No choice. Needs a kick up the backside.
a problem everywhere, old buildings, needing repairs to decrease their health and safety risks, too expensive to maintain. i dont know how easy it is to turn them into something profitable
Great post, here in McKinney Texas there has been a lot of effort put into revitalizing the old downtown area. It seems to be paying off. Last weekend we had 20,000+ visit for our annual Oktoberfest celebration. I think this is the highest level of visitors to this in a long time. In addition, a lot of the old building are being turned into upscale stores and restaurants.
So, IMHO, you are on the right track.
BTW, check out my new "Not McKinney" blog. You can link to it from my McKinney Daily Photo blog.
Laxey is the same. Empty shops, new houses. The hillside has been cut into too much now. The landscape isn't as pretty. The high street looks stale. Well said B. Laxey has Mona Lisa's though.
It would seem that we all are in the same boat; to use a cichy cliche. I often wonder why these places close shop. A local bicycle shop left their well seen corner shop citing the proprty rent was much too high. They relocated to an out of the way spot, but are still thriving despite the lack of exposure.
Anyway, A new idea for your shop; a camera ordering shop, cyber coffee or tea cafe. Sell camera gear and coffee and tea, internet hookups for visiting bloggers. Combine a few venues, something for everyone to gather.
I wish this place well, it has a quaint appearance about it.
Dear B,
I read your text and think about my region, country.. We also have economic problems and I think they are so visible in retail area....Many people closed their shops...sometimes other things changed the situation ( we get new shopping mall in town,...)but sometimes I think people are not enough original and open shops with goods which are available on "every step" ....Nice contrast!
I had always wanted to put up a second hand shop for kids since I got lots of their stuff that I do not know where to put them anymore...
I like Dusty Lens idea...or sort of your own postcard shop, have your photos printed out and sell them, with a few tables for coffee and sweets and a few computer stations...
Same thing here with shops closing - actually no - the inside market was no vacancies - a fresh fish stall opened last week - but mostly it is the same story and the ones that do open tend to be tatty pound-shops and the ilk.
We have a few buildings for sale over here as well....seems a problem everywhere.....
Sounds like the IOM is dying like the rest of the UK. There are a number of empty shops here & almost every day another one bites the dust.
It's very sad. I hope the powers-that-be come up with something innovative that encourages businesses back again.
I don't think Ramsey is alone in this. We have lots of shops shutting on a monthly basis. It was reported on the radio here that Cheltenham has many national retailers waiting to open up in the town, well now there are plenty of empty units so where are they?!
I applaud you for this matter of fact
post. Peel has the Museum and Castle. They will always generate money even if the shops close.
That sounds bad. I hope it gets better some day.
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