Quayside scheme still 'on hold' - report awaited

A Tynwald debate on the Douglas Quayside Scheme remains 'on hold', four months after a motion seeking the court's approval for the proposals was withdrawn from the order paper.

That decision was taken after members of the Chamber of Commerce expressed concern about the amount of retail space in the scheme, which would occupy the Lord Street bus station site.

In a written reply to a House of Keys question, Environment Minister John Shimmin says postponing the debate has allowed time for a revised report on the Island's retail sector to be published, which is expected shortly.

He says he still believes all parties will benefit from reading that document before being asked to consider the future development of the quayside site.

In March last Tynwald gave Mr Shimmin's department approval in principle to enter into a 999 year lease agreement with the preferred developer of the site, Askett Hawk Developments (Isle of Man) Limited.

It was also agreed Tynwald would have the final say on whether the scheme went ahead.

Mr Shimmin was replying to a question from Onchan MHK Peter Karran.