Renewed bid to convert registered quayside site

Fresh plans to develop the former Newson's building have been submitted

New plans to convert a registered building on the quayside in the Manx capital and demolish its neighbour have been put forward.

Developers Kelman's Ltd have submitted fresh proposals to change the former Newson's building at number 27 North Quay into two retail units, an apartment and a townhouse, with number 28 to be knocked down.

The site has remained empty after previous proposals by the firm to convert a group of buildings on the harbourside, including the former Newson's site, into 10 flats and food and drink outlets were rejected in 2022.

However, plans to convert buildings 22 to 26 along the quayside into eight new apartments and two retail units were backed in June.

The plans will now go to planning committee for consideration

In its planning application, the frim said the building at 28 would be demolished as it was "in a very poor condition" and its limited floor space meant it was "not considered viable for conversion".

The plans would see it replaced with a modern structure with the retail unit on the ground floor and a two-bedroom townhouse above.

The other part of the site, at 27, was also "in a poor state of repair" and has "significant structural issues", the firm said.

For that reason the developer said it would be necessary to install an internal steel frame to support the existing stone walls and replace the floors in order to retain the building.

The site dates back to the 18th Century and was a former Warehouse

The proposals would restore the external appearance of the retained building to that previously captured in historic photographs, with the interior accommodating a bar and restaurant on the ground, first and second floors, with an apartment on the third floor.

Those plans would "positively contribute to the architecture of the North Quay conservation area", would make the quay "even more attractive" for those on a night out, as well as helping to grow the area as a destination, the application said.