Lord Street scheme WILL still go ahead

Co-developer plans to resubmit planning application

Plans for a major redevelopment on Lord Street in Douglas WILL still go ahead.

A planning application is due to be re-submitted at the end of the month.

The proposals include a 14-storey building with a cinema, offices, shops and homes.

It also hopes to create a bus information centre within the site.

After plans were withdrawn by co-developers Wyyttavin Ltd, Lord Street Development Ltd has confirmed it's still hoping to go ahead with the development alone.

In a statement to Manx Radio, it says: "Due to private and unforeseen personal circumstances, Wyyttavin Ltd is no longer in a position to take the project forward and made the difficult decision to withdraw its application. We can however confirm that plans to progress the development on Lord Street are still very much going ahead and a resubmission to planning is expected by the end of this month.

"With respect to Wyyttavin Ltd, we are conscious of their privacy at this time and kindly ask others to do the same and refrain from any speculation.

"We have shared Wyyttavin Ltd's desire from the beginning, to transform the site and create a landmark development of high-quality, for the benefit of the Isle of Man residents and visitors.

The development is due to receive funding through the Island Infrastructure Scheme - a government initiative designed to accelerate the regeneration of brownfield sites by offering financial assistance of up to 25 percent of eligible costs.

Lord Street Development Ltd added: "We would also confirm that Government have been supportive in the planning and development process."

Wyyttavin Ltd has declined to comment.

In a statement, the Department for Enterprise provided the following comment:

“The Department is aware that Wyyttavin Ltd has formally withdrawn their planning application in respect of the proposed development of the Lord Street site.  Development on this site was subject to an application for support under the Island Infrastructure Scheme and whilst an agreement in principle had been provided, progression to a formal offer was contingent on gaining full planning approval.   

“As with all offers of financial support under the Island Infrastructure Scheme, any payments to developers are only made subject to the completion of the development in line with the application and subsequent planning approval.

“The second round of applications for the Island Infrastructure Scheme remains open until the 30 June 2025 and should a new application for the site be made, this will be considered in line with the Tynwald approved Scheme and published guidelines. Further information can be found here: dfe.im/iis”