Douglas IT centre: Tynwald approves £5m Nunnery sale

The Nunnery was built in 1823 and the estate includes a chapel, stables and two swimming pools

The sale of a £5m government-owned estate to create an international centre for technology in Douglas has been approved by Tynwald.

Plans to create a technology centre on the Nunnery Estate were first proposed by the Manx Educational Foundation (MEF) in 2013.

Economic Development minister Laurence Skelly said the decision is a "vote of confidence" in the business community.

The new centre will provide training courses in information technology.

The Nunnery Mansion House was built in 1823 and the estate includes a chapel, stables and two swimming pools.

MEF Director David Butterworth said it was the "result we wanted".

It is hoped the centre will prepare island workers to enter the "rapidly growing" e-business sector.

Responsibility for the conversion of the site will be shared by MEF and Business Doctor Investments Limited.