Revamped former nurses' home 'symbol of progress'

The completion of a regeneration project in the centre of the Manx capital is a "symbol of progress" of moves to redevelop vacant sites, the chief minister has said.

Thie Clag has replaced the former nurses' home, which was built in 1953 when Noble's Hospital was situated in Douglas.

It marks the first scheme by the Manx Development Corporation (MDC), which is a government-backed organisation set up to redevelop urban and brownfield sites.

At the official opening Alfred Cannan said it marked a "significant achievement" in the in moves to create "sustainable development and community enhancement".

The £11m complex includes a mix of 37 one and two-bedroom rental apartments.

Cannan said the development, which also saw the clock house restored, "respectfully preserved" the former nurses' home and was a "a symbol of progress" for the regeneration of the island.

The MDC was founded with "a clear mission, to regenerate brownfield sites on the island as part of the commitments this administration set out within the Island Plan", he added.

MDC Managing Director Dane Harrop said the first tenants would be moving in later this month and so far 70% of the flats had been let.

He said tenants were made up of their "target market", including key workers, young graduates and returning professionals.

"It's very important to repurpose and we're very proud that its a refurbished project," he continued.

The organisation hoped to get started on the next project soon and was awaiting legal sign off for a "inner city village" near to the Thie Clag building, he added.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.