Former nurses' home development 'at pace and on budget'

End date for Westmoreland Road project in 'early 2025' 

A project to transform a former nurses' home in Douglas into a block of apartments is on track to be completed by early next year.

The Manx Development Corporation says the construction works on Westmoreland Road are proceeding at pace and on budget, despite early investigations finding asbestos and water ingress would pose 'significant challenges'.

Once completed, the site will consist of 37 one and two bedroomed apartments and a coffee and patisserie shop.

In an update the Manx Development Corporation - an arms-length commercial company of which the treasury minister is the nominated shareholder - says: "Extensive investigations during the design phase demonstrated the poor condition of the building, identifying asbestos and water ingress as significant challenges."

"MDC is managing these issues through sympathetic remediation and remodelling, in keeping with the original design of the structure. The first phase of the construction works, which included the total strip-out of much of the internal fabric and the demolition of the unsalvageable original fourth floor, is now complete.

"The new fourth floor is being rebuilt in complimentary brick and new glazing has been installed, up-to and including the third floor. Substantial installation of internal partitions is well underway, as is the first-fix of mechanical & electrical.

"MDC is very encouraged by the progress of its maiden on-site project, and looks forward to providing further updates on this exciting restoration, as it brings this former landmark back to life."