On Air The Morning Show Marc Tyley | 9:30am - Noon

Hartford Homes defends Bay Queen proposals

Claims development will bring new life to town

Plans which could fundamentally alter the way Port St Mary looks for years to come have been unveiled by property developer Hartford Homes.

The former Bay Queen Hotel is set to be demolished, with two buildings containing 45 apartments to be constructed on the site.

The developer held a public consultation on initial designs back in January, which had included two taller buildings holding 56 flats.

But nearby residents were concerned there wouldn’t be sufficient car parking space, and the road would become too busy.

Having taken these views onboard, Hartford Homes has come back with revised plans – but with fewer apartments split between the two buildings.

The iconic ‘two towered’ design of the old hotel will remain a feature of the development, and the number of floors in one of the buildings has been reduced from seven to six.

The developer says a restaurant, included in one of the blocks, will bring an ‘important social and hospitality venue’ to Port St Mary.

Director of Hartford Homes James Greenhalg denies the developer is trying to sell units as cheaply as possible, and is focused on quality homes to ‘create a real sense of community’.

Demolition and construction would take place within the next six months if planners give the go ahead. Once building work has begun, it’s expected the ‘Bay Queen Apartment Complex’ will be complete within two years.

More from Isle of Man News