Nurses' home revamp in Manx capital finished

The regeneration of a former nurses' home in the Manx capital has been completed.

It is the first major scheme in Douglas by a government-owned body, set up to redevelop urban and brownfield areas, and features a mix of 37 one and two-bedroom flats.

The Manx Development Corporation (MDC) said only "a few finishing touches" were needed at the development on Westmoreland Road, renamed Thie Clag, which is Manx for clock house.

An MDC spokesman said the firm hoped the project would serve "as a catalyst for future brownfield regeneration" across the Isle of Man.

The former nurses' home, which was built in 1953 when Noble's Hospital was in the capital, had fallen out of use.

It became the MDC's first project given Tynwald support in 2021.

In 2024, it was confirmed the cost of the corporation's overhaul of the site had increased from £8.9m in 2022 to £11.03m.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said the project represented "a delivery milestone" for the Island Plan - its blueprint setting out key priorities - on two fronts.

It showed "the regeneration of brownfield sites has been a strategic priority of this administration from day one, together with improving the availability and affordability of housing", he said.

MDC said the completion of Thie Clag "exemplifies how brownfield regeneration can not only preserve the island's architectural heritage but also provide much needed modern, energy-efficient accommodation".

Previously MDC has highlighted challenges such as "hold-ups in releasing land", importing specialist contractors and higher VAT thresholds for redevelopment over new-builds.

The firm's second project, for the 133-home Westmoreland Village nearby, was backed by planners last year.

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