Isle of Man Post Office has submitted a planning application to redevelop the site of the Post Office in Regent Street, Douglas into a modern retail outlet.
The building is located adjacent to the prime retail zone and within a central part of the town's regeneration area and Isle of Man Post Office believes it's important that the building is used to its best potential, for the benefit of Douglas town centre for years to come.
With this in mind, a planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the site for retail purposes and a design team led by the Department of Infrastructure Project Management Unit has developed the proposed scheme. The Board of Isle of Man Post Office recognise the architectural significance of the façade of the property and the proposed development seeks to retain this, with only alterations made to the street level area to make it more suitable for retail use and to improve access for customers.
A professional review, undertaken during 2015, advised that the best future use of the site was for retail activities. The site has the potential to create an approximate 13,000 square foot retail unit over two floors and provide the opportunity to attract a well-known UK high street name to the Island. However, Isle of Man Post Office would be required to secure a suitable pre-letting agreement with a likely future tenant before committing to any development.
Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office Ray Harmer MHK said: "We hope these redevelopment plans will meet the expectations of the Planning Committee and will be given approval. This is an opportunity to revive this large site for the benefit of the Island as it is positioned within the regeneration zone and on one of the main thoroughfares into Strand Street. By retaining the existing façade, we hope that we have struck a balance between preserving the building's distinguished style and creating a modern and up to date new facility.
View Existing/Proposed elevations Regent Street here
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