The Department of Home Affairs is seeking planning approval to convert Tromode House into a rehabilitation and resettlement centre and new base for the Probation Service.
An application has been submitted to change the use of the premises in Cronkbourne Village, which until recently has been run as a children’s home by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Approval is required to change part of the ground floor into office space for probation staff, as part of a move aimed at enhancing monitoring and engagement with offenders. Planning permission is not needed for the accommodation aspect of the proposal.
The provision of a rehabilitation and resettlement centre is a key element in Home Affairs’ commitment to maintaining community safety and protecting vulnerable members of the community. New accommodation is needed for the Department to fulfil its statutory responsibility to provide services in relation to probation, bail and the after-care of offenders.
The proposal also supports the objectives of the flagship Criminal Justice Strategy, which is aimed at improving outcomes for all those affected by and working within the criminal justice system.
In addition, the relocation of the Probation Service offices would allow the Department to vacate Prospect House in central Douglas, generating significant cost savings.
Tromode House, which is now surplus to Health and Social Care requirements, comprises offices and meeting rooms on the ground floor and bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor.
Subject to planning approval, the new rehabilitation and resettlement centre would replace David Gray House, which is owned by the Salvation Army and run by the charity in partnership with the Prison and Probation Service. The Department of Home Affairs provides annual funding towards the operating costs, but the mid-terrace building is in need of extensive repairs and does not meet recognised standards for such facilities.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said:
‘Tromode House would make a very suitable rehabilitation and resettlement centre, as well as providing a new base for probation officers. A larger and more bespoke facility would support a fully integrated offender management system to better address offending behaviour and enhance public safety.’
He added:
‘The Department has been assessing a number of options for replacing David Gray House and the potential re-use of an existing Government-owned building is considered the most practical and cost-effective solution. Tromode House would require no external changes and minimal internal alteration to convert into a rehabilitation and resettlement centre. It is bigger than David Gray House and would provide scope to offer improved facilities.’
