Proposals to convert offices into 64-bedroom hotel

Owner Keith Lord has previously led the refurbishment of the Mannin Hotel on Douglas Promenade

Proposals to convert an office block in the Isle of Man's capital into a new 64-bed hotel with a restaurant, bar and roof-top spa have been revealed.

Hesketh Investments Limited has submitted plans to repurpose Royalty House on Walpole Avenue.

In the application, Owner Keith Lord said he wants to convert the building having had "difficulty in finding a replacement tenant for such a large amount of office space".

Mr Lord, who also owns the Mannin Hotel, said the new hotel was expected to create 18 full-time jobs.

Royalty House on Walpole Avenue could be converted into a hotel

The building would host a restaurant, small bar area and reception foyer on the ground floor.

The proposed hotel would have 16 rooms on each floor, designed to offer a mix of double and twin beds, with larger executive bedrooms and accessible rooms.

The spa would include two treatment rooms, a gym, with a lounging area, hot tubs, a sauna steam room and plunge pool and would open onto the roof terrace.

The building has been used as an office building since 1999, however Mr Lord said he was concerned he would be "left with an empty building" that he could not let out.

Separate plans by Wyyttavin Limited for a development including 85 apartments, offices and flats on the former bus station site on Lord Street opposite have been approved for government grant funding should they be approved.

Hesketh Investments Limited already has plans to demolish the former Salvation Army citadel nearby and replace it with 11-bedroom hotel after being granted permission for the proposals in August.

An appeal against the demolition of the building was rejected in May after being reviewed by a planning inspector.

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