£70m hotel project gets support from Tynwald

Thu, 23 Jun 2011

Tynwald has agreed to support a £70m hotel development in Douglas, despite some politicians being critical of the plans.

Askett Hawk Developments was given a lease on the former bus station site in Lord Street in 2008, but no work has started yet.

The Department of Infrastructure is on the verge of completing an agreement with the developer over the proposals.

Plans have been drawn up for a hotel, apartments, shops and car parking on the land.

South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey is one of those that's unhappy with the way things are.[Play media file below]

Once the agreement with Askett Hawk Development is official, the compamy will have six months to apply for planning permission.

East Douglas MHK Chris Robershaw was also critical of the plans.

He said he was 'underwhelmed' by the design which was included in the report which went before Tynwald.

Mr Robertshaw supportive of development but says the plans are half-hearted and not sensitive to the site.[Play media file below]