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Fresh start suggested for prime site

The head of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce wants the development of the former bus station site in Lord Street, Douglas to go back out to tender.

The chamber objected to the granting of a 999 year lease to developers Asket Hawk three years ago, and is disappointed that since then nothing has happened.

The company plans to build a three or four star hotel with 150 rooms, 75 apartments, and nine retail and leisure units, but Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne recently admitted he wasn't expecting any movement on the site in the near future.

Chief executive of the chamber Mike Hennessy says it's high time something was done at the prime location, but he doesn't believe anything resembling the original plans will ever happen:

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