Thirteen Manx landmarks given protected status

Built in 1894, the Isle of Man's Legislative Chambers has been added to the Protected Buildings Register

Thirteen historic buildings across the Isle of Man, including the Legislative Chambers in the Manx capital, have been protected from future demolition.

The Royal Chapel in St John's, School of Art in Douglas where renowned designer Archibald Knox both studied and taught, and Moore's Bridge in Laxey have also been added to the Protected Buildings Register.

The status means the buildings have been protected by law from demolition or alteration affecting their character unless specific consent is granted.

Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber said the additions to the register would safeguard the landmarks "for generations to come".

Also among the list of 13 buildings were the former Peel Railway Station, which is now part of the House of Manannan, and Douglas Railway Station Workshops.

Other structures connected to the island's heritage rail network include Douglas railway station's signal box, Groudle viaduct, former Kirk Michael railway station - which now serves as the village fire station - and the Laxey and Ballure Manx Electric Railway viaducts.

The Royal Chapel in St John's hosts a church service for dignitaries each Tynwald Day

The former School of Art in Douglas, which is now the Kensington Arts Centre, along with the stone bridge in Ramsey and monk's bridge in Malew have also been preserved via the process, which protects structures of significant historical, cultural, or architectural value.

Barber said the selection celebrated "the diversity of the island's heritage", which ranged from "medieval bridges to the innovation of our railways and the splendour of our parliament buildings".

It means are now more than 300 Registered Buildings across the island, including two lighthouses on the Calf of Man, designed by Robert Stevenson, the island's National War Memorial and Milner's Tower in Port Erin.