Summer start for Groudle waterwheel restoration

Work to restore an old Victorian landmark in one of the Island’s most popular glens could get underway by the summer, according to commissioners.

Plans to rebuild the Groudle wheelhouse were lodged this week,  almost a year after the original building was dismantled.

Chairman of Onchan Commissioners, Robin Turton, says an agreement has been reached between all concerned parties over who’s responsible for the restoration.

These include the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, which leases the glen from Onchan Commissioners, the Department of Infrastructure which maintains the footpaths, and Manx Utilities.

In April last year, Laxey-based firm Mining Machinery Developments took apart the old wheelhouse and used a crane to remove the waterwheel from the glen.

It was then sent off-Island for repairs as part of an apprenticeship scheme.

The local authority’s plans are said to be in keeping with the original Victorian design.

During initial talks in 2017, the commissioners estimated that repairs could cost £200,000.

It was claimed a restoration at this price would see ratepayers fork out around £4.20 a year for at least a decade.

The cost of the latest project has not been released, but Mr Turton says the commissioners are ‘pleased with the result’.