Plans to have Laxey Wheel turn, turn, turning again in 2022

MNH and Treasury agree to split cost of repair work

Plans are in place to have the Laxey Wheel turning and open to visitors again by the start of the tourist season next year.

Manx National Heritage and Treasury have agreed a deal to split the cost of repairs 50:50, and bring forward work originally scheduled for future years.

The water wheel hasn't turned since the start of last September, after one of the rods connecting the wheel with the 'T-rocker' component failed.

It's thought repairs to the Wheel and rod duct mechanism will cost £450,000.

Meanwhile, a further £300,000 will be required to repeat the painting, pointing and minor repairs previously done in 2015.

MNH says its part in the funding comes from the sale of a property bequeathed to them by John Donald (Donny) Collister.

Chairman of MNH Trustees Jonathan Hall says the group is 'keen to see the wheel turning again at the earliest opportunity' and repairing the heritage site would be 'hugely important in terms of morale and pride in our Island'.

Further details of the plans can be found here.