During the course of works some road closures to Park Road and Bathurst Street will be necessary to protect the public from elements of the demolition work
The demolition works will be phased over the proposed contract period to ensure that they are carried out in a safe manner. The timing of the start just after the half term holidays coincided with the completion of the decommissioning of the buildings by the Department of Education and Children following the opening of the new St Ninian’s Lower School in Onchan last autumn.
In accordance with best practice, surveys of the building have been undertaken to inform the demolition process and in particular an asbestos survey of the premises identified no significant use of this material.
The property is currently going through the process of transfer from the Department of Education and Children to the Department of Social Care.
The Minister for Social Care, Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK said:
'The demolition of the school is a first step in the redevelopment of the Park Road site. My Department is currently considering options for the future use of this two acre site which we see as a key development project for the Douglas area.
There is a need for affordable housing and this predominantly residential area is ideal for such a project and we are currently reviewing proposals for the site as a priority. Naturally, any proposals will be subject to public consultation and will require formal planning approval in due course.'
