Two additional regeneration proposals in lower Douglas have been offered conditional funding through the Island Infrastructure Scheme, helping to unlock long-stalled development sites and bring new life to key areas of the capital.
The proposals for the redevelopment of 22-28 North Quay and 42-50 Duke Street are the latest to be supported through the Scheme, bringing the total private sector investment proposed across all five sites to nearly £80m.
Both applications supported through the second round of the Scheme will deliver vibrant mixed-use developments. The North Quay proposal, which has already secured planning approval, includes nine apartments, one townhouse and four commercial units, while the Duke Street project aims to provide 38 serviced apartments alongside new retail space and is currently progressing through the planning application process.
Tim Johnston MHK, Enterprise Minister, commented:
‘I welcome the approval of these two further sites though the Scheme, which seek to transform and regenerate key sites in lower Douglas into vibrant residential, commercial and retail facilities. These sites have been unoccupied for a number of years, and their redevelopment will deliver significant visual and amenity improvements to prominent locations within Douglas.
‘A key ambition within both the Island Plan and Economic Strategy is to further develop the infrastructure and services needed by our community. By providing funding through the Economic Strategy Fund, we are supporting and incentivising private sector investment across our Island, aligning with the long-term ambition to secure £1bn of investment and helping to create a vibrant, sustainable and attractive environment for both residents and visitors.’
The approvals for Duke Street and North Quay highlight the long‑term economic value that the Scheme is intended to deliver. Each proposal undergoes detailed assessment to ensure it will generate substantial economic and financial returns over time, providing value to the public purse beyond the level of support offered.
The Enterprise Minister continued:
‘Since the initial launch in 2023, I am pleased to see the continued progress of previously announced sites, with groundworks well underway for both Villier’s Square and Lake Road which are due to be completed late 2027, early 2028. Additionally, Ocean Castle in Port Erin has recently received full planning and is progressing to the delivery phase in the coming months.’
The Island Infrastructure Scheme is designed to stimulate investment in challenging unoccupied brownfield sites by contributing up to 25% of eligible development costs. Its aim is to accelerate regeneration of unused sites, support economic and community growth, and improve the overall appearance and functionality of the Island’s urban centres.
