Views sought on Laxey Wheel visitor hub plans

Views are being sought on revised plans for a visitor centre at a Manx landmark in the east of the Isle of Man.

Earlier this year Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the Laxey Wheel after backlash over the hub's appearance.

The revised plans are on display at the Manx Museum until 16:30 GMT, with a second consultation to take place on Thursday from 15:00 to 18:00 at Laxey Sailing Club.

MNH Property manager Steve Blackford said the main changes to the design were the colour and the position of the building, which was further back and "less intrusive".

The proposals would see the existing turnstile and kiosk replaced with a building.

The exterior would be made of natural cedar cladding which would weather to blend in to the surroundings, he added.

Mr Blackford said the charity would consider the feedback before submitting its revised proposals.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said the visitor hub would provide shelter from poor weather and also support future conservation work of the Laxey Wheel, which is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the world.

"Modern and accessible visitor facilities are now an expectation of visitors, with the plans offering a cost effective solution to meeting both these expectations and wider objectives," she added.

The plans, which would be paid for from charitable funds, had been criticised for not being in keeping with the heritage of the 170-year-old attraction.

Garff Commissioners objected to the former proposals and said at the time they would request a redesign.

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