Plans for multi-storey car park to be submitted

The site was used for border control at the ferry port during the coronavirus pandemic

A new multi-storey car park in the Isle of Man's capital could be built if plans are given the go-ahead.

Proposals for the scheme, at Parade Street in Douglas, will be lodged in the first half of 2025 by the Manx Development Corporation (MDC) in collaboration with its shareholder the Treasury.

The firm said the scheme’s approach followed the 2014 Tynwald-backed masterplan for lower Douglas and "consolidates the localised parking provision".

Dane Harrop from MDC said there had been "extensive consultation" with those associated with nearby sites, which would continue as the project progresses.

The Department of Infrastructure and "those running the port" had also been involved in the process to date to "ensure that what is being proposed is considered and coordinated", he said.

The site sits between the Millennium Bridge at Douglas Harbour and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company headquarters, and was used for border control at the ferry port during the coronavirus pandemic.

Plans are expected to be formally submitted by mid-2025

MDC, set up to regenerate publicly-owned brownfield sites on the island, is also redeveloping a former nurses' home and constructing a new housing development in the island's capital.

Managing director Mr Harrop said "following a pause of works to reassess the final scope, the MDC have now re-engaged its design team" to work on the new project.

It was "envisaged that the provision of this multi-storey car park will be a decisive move to reinvigorate the surrounding area by helping to enable regeneration in the city", he said.

The firm confirmed plans for the redevelopment of the Parade Street car park site did not include any physical works to the current Sea Terminal building but said they would "consider the needs of the port and its long-term future".

Further details of the proposals would be shared at "the appropriate time", it added.

Developers of another redevelopment scheme on nearby Lord Street are currently awaiting the outcome of a formal planning application.