Villiers Square development plans approved

Two buildings proposed for the site

Plans to redevelop Villiers Square in Douglas have been fully endorsed.

The chair of the planning committee has confirmed to Manx Radio that the multi-million pound proposals have been approved.

The old hotel was demolished and it's been empty ever since.

The proposed plans involve constructing two buildings on the site.

The first would have a mixture of retail and office space, including a gym and an underground car park while the second would be a six-storey hotel with capacity for 80 beds.

The scheme had been recommended for approval by planning officers because they are said to have a positive impact upon the area and benefit the local economy.

At today's meeting, the Planning Committee unanimously approved the development.

You can read more about the plans, and see artist renditions, HERE.

The Department for Enterprise has welcomed  the unanimous support of the planning committee on Tevir Group's redevelopment of Villiers Square.

Minister Tim Johnston MHK says ‘Tevir Group's plans for Villiers Square represent a transformative development in the heart of Douglas, turning an area which is currently underutilised and derelict into a vibrant space for commercial and hotel leisure facilities.

'This development will not only improve the urban landscape, but also stands to contribute real economic benefit to the city of Douglas.

'The Department for Enterprise is pleased to have provided support in principle to this development through the Island Infrastructure Scheme, a scheme which was designed to leverage private sector funding, capability and skills in line with the Economic Strategy, to secure the regeneration of complex urban unoccupied sites.'

He concludes by saying ‘Today’s announcement represents a positive step towards seeing this project come to fruition, and embodies the very ethos of the Island Plan, to build great communities and create a more secure, vibrant and sustainable future for the Isle of Man.’