Isle of Man: £30m casino complex plan submitted

Plans to regenerate part of the Isle of Man's capital, which include a new casino, have been submitted.

Isle of Man-based Altostratus Limited have put forward updated proposals for a £30m development at the Middlemarch site in Douglas.

The six-storey building would also be home to a bingo hall, offices, car parking spaces, 25 apartments and a rooftop garden for residents.

The site, owned by the Manx Government, is currently a temporary car park.

Located between Fort Street, Lord Street, Walpole Avenue and Victoria Street, designers ADG Architects previously described the project as one of the biggest developments in Douglas for decades.

The proposal includes a casino, bingo hall and sports bar planned for the first floor.

'Civic space'

Office spaces would be created from floors two to six, with apartments featuring on the top three levels.

Pedestrian access to the casino and office space would be via Victoria Street, and homeowners would enter their apartments on Lord Street.

If planning approval is granted, the Palace Hotel & Casino would transfer its casino licence and relocate its gambling operation from its current home on Douglas Promenade.

An ADG Architects spokesman said the idea for a civic space included in the updated proposals had "emerged strongly" during a public consultation process.

The new "central hub" could serve as a venue for markets, festivals, the TT races, and it could host an outdoor ice rink during the festive season, he added.

The firm said the development would "enhance the overall appeal and sustainability of the town".

The additional office space would also "help to support local businesses and the growth in the local business economy", it added.