Campus Given Go Ahead

Plans to redevelop a disused site in Douglas have moved closer after an appeal by the owners of Shoprite was rejected.

Jade Tree Limited, the company behind the application, for the former holiday camp site on Victoria Road,  has welcomed the decision.

The, now once again approved, creation of a parkland campus facility comprising of a head-quarters office building with restaurant, café, collaborative working areas and 66 associated staff accommodation units with associated landscaping, was opposed by Shoprite, after it had sold the land to the developers.

In its appeal, Isle of Man Enterprises said it ‘does not object to the development of the site generally and recognises that the site is allocated for development’.

However, the inspector’s report sad that its concerns ‘centre on the degree of weight which has been given by decision- makers to the Applicant’s business model’.

They added: ‘The position of the appellant is that the application provides planning consent for a physical development and its use and not for any business model adopted by the occupier of the development. Whereas the proposed legal agreement can address, to a limited degree, the issue of housing occupancy, there is no restriction imposed on the use of the commercial building (Office) for offices, restaurant, cafe?, gym and other related uses.’

Despite this and other issues, the planning inspector found that the site does have a viable business model and that the application will, it is intended, bring more economically active people to the island.

The inspector said: ‘In my judgement, and in the circumstances of the proposed campus development I find that this is an unusual development which has been thought through to meet the specific needs of the Applicant whilst developing the benefits to the Island. Their commitment to the development and the Island is to be applauded and encouraged and this development should not be delayed further.’

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said:‘The Jade Tree proposals represent a landmark development in the centre of Douglas, reimagining a site which has been derelict and unused for well over 50 years and turning it into a vibrant campus, not only improving the urban landscape, but also contributing real economic benefit for the Isle of Man.

‘The Department for Enterprise is committed to supporting and providing the right conditions for the development, diversification, growth and opportunity for the Island’s economy, and the Jade Tree development embodies each and every one of these ambitions. I would like to thank Jade Tree Limited for choosing the Isle of Man for this important development, and look forward to seeing this progress over the coming weeks, months and years as they transform this site into a key commercial campus and continue to grow their workforce here on the island.’

John Lee, Director of Jade Tree Limited, added: ‘The bespoke and innovative design of the Campus is part of our vision to invest in our staff and demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Isle of Man. The Campus will offer a unique and attractive working environment and recreational space to inspire and promote productivity.’