Apartments plan for decaying Douglas nurses' home

The proposal features a mix of 37 one and two-bed flats

Plans to redevelop an empty and decaying former nurses' home on the Isle of Man into an apartment complex have been revealed.

The government-backed Manx Development Corporation has made a bid to "revitalise" the building on Westmoreland Road in Douglas.

Chairman Sean Gilbert said it was part of efforts to be a "catalyst for brownfield site development".

Built in 1953, the temporary home for healthcare staff had fallen out of use.

A coffee shop and patisserie are also included in the proposal for 37 one and two-bed apartments in the building, which is owned by the Manx government.

The home was built in 1953 for nurses when Noble's Hospital was in Douglas

The Treasury is the sole shareholder of the arms-length commercial company, which was set up by Tynwald last year to develop abandoned sites across the island.

A spokesman said although there were "significant challenges" with asbestos and water damage, the company had chosen to retain the building because of it "architectural merit".

Though a business case for the proposal has been made to the Treasury, the company said costs could not be disclosed as it may impact on the tendering for contractors.