infrastructure
bun-troggalys
Isle of Man
Office of the Minister
and Chief Executive
Government
Reilfys Ellen Vonfoin
Contact:
Telephone:
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Date
To All Tynwald Members
(01624) 686603
(01624) 686617
9th February 2017
Dear Members
January 2017 Tynwald — Oral Answer 5 — Port Erin Marine Biological Station
At the above sitting of Tynwald, I undertook to come back with further information following
supplementary questions from Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker asked about ownership of land around the Marine Biological Station and I can confirm
that the Department does own the site, including the road, the grassed area opposite and the
whole part to the west of the Life Boat Station. Full details can be found within the attached copy
of the marketing brochure.
Mr Speaker also asked about commercial interests in the site and a possible requirement for the
inclusion of a marine interpretation centre. I am advised that the specification allows for this but
does not require it.
I trust that this provides the information sought.
Yours sincerely,
z
Hon R Harmer MHK
Minister for Infrastructure
Enc.
1
Former Marine Biological Centre, Breakwater Road, Port Erin, Isle of Man
•
Fully vacant mixed use development opportunity wanting quick progress.
•
Prime site offered on behalf of the Isle of Man Government Department of Infrastructure.
•
Combined area of buildings and land extends to approximately 0.73 acres.
•
Exceptional location with uninterrupted sea views across Port Erin bay.
Potential for substantial mixed use including leisure, marine centre, retail, hotel,
manufacturing, apartments and offices.
hie of Man
Goya-twat
ISLE OF MAN.
WHERE YOU CAN
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grac e,
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Introduction
The Isle of Man, situated in the centre of the Irish Sea with a growing resident population of over 85,000,
is a highly successful leading International Business Centre which has enjoyed 30 years of continuous
economic growth.
Port Erin is located in the south of tne Island, offering one of the Isle of Man's best beaches and
most desirable residential areas. Just a 10 minute drive from the airport, Port Erin is one of the Island's
most affluent towns with new high end apartment redevelopment and an exceptional level of shop
occupancy. The town also benefits from being at the end of the famous Isle of Man Steam Railway,
bringing in thousands of visitors each year.
Port Erin has benefited from multiple regeneration schemes including a recent upgrade (2013/1 4) of the
whole lower promenade (which runs adjacent to the Marine Biological Centre Site), to make it more
attractive for pedestrians. There are also two further regeneration schemes in the pipeline, including
improvements around the central retail area and the Railway Station.
`Proposals are sought for development that will provide
a commercial return, whilst delivering a high quality
offering, preferably in the tourism or leisure sector.'
Isle of Man
Government
ISLE OF MAN.
WHERE YOU CAN
black
grace
cowley
The Site
This is a rare investment opportunity to acquire a large, detached site situated in a desirable location in
the south of the Isle of Man.
The Port Erin Marine Laboratory site is perfectly situated just a 10 minute walk from the centre of town
and the main bus and train transport links. The exceptional site comprises a substantial parcel of land
and existing two-storey and there-storey buildings extending to approximately 0.73 acres.
The building's flexible layout provides 30,000 sq ft of net internal area and floor space. The buildings
vary in age, with some dating back over 100 years and more recent buildings completed in the 1960's.
Internally the buildings provide a large amount of space with good natural light and opportunity for
improvement and extension.
The site is located alongside the lower Port Erin promenade and one of the Island's most popular sandy
beaches. The buildings offer superb uninterrupted sea views from the front of the site across Port Erin
Bay and the iconic Milner's Tower.
The property was most recently developed as a Marine Research Centre, which provided educational
facilities and accommodation to university students, however, the site provides a number of possibilities
for future use. The complex of existing buildings is currently out of use after the Marine Biological Centre
closed in 2006.
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GOVennnent
ISLE OF MAN.
WHERE YOU CAN
Planning and Use
This is an exciting opportunity to redevelop a key site on the Island for a mixed use purpose. The site is
primarily intended for tourist, leisure or marine use, including associated accommodation. It may also
include a residential, factory or retail element. The Department may be flexible on the use of the site
dependent on the value of the proposed venture.
Government grants may be available for certain uses dependent on a commercially viable business
plan being approved.
Any future development should preferably make use of all the existing buildings and/or the land
aforementioned. This does not preclude demolition and redevelopment providing there is a suitable
planning case to support this.
Due to the previous use of the property, it currently has existing planning consent in principle for
conversion into a Marine Interpretation Centre including an associated retail unit and cafe, dive
centre, offices for marine related businesses and a 20 bedroom hotel with parking and landscaping.
Please click here for the application details.
Site Boundary
The Department of Infrastructure may be prepared to make additional land available to facilitate a
more comprehensive redevelopment of the area including potential marina development within part
of the adjoining harbour area.
isle of Man
Government
11.111yF Erian ramuln
ISLE OF MAN.
WHERE YOU CAN
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grace,
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Expressions of Interest
At this stage The Department of Infrastructure, through Black Grace Cowley, are seeking Expressions of
Interest from prospective purchasers/developers for this exciting opportunity.
Initial expressions of interest with a basic explanation of proposals for the site including sketch concepts
are invited with expressions including the following minimum information:
1. Name/Company name.
2. Background.
3. Key personnel.
4. Experience and track record of similar developments.
5. Your ability to deliver from a financial and technical point of view including why your company is
best placed to take this project forward (max of 3 sheets of A4).
6. Indicative proposals for the site including purchase or lease terms.
Interested parties are encouraged to consider
the following sources of information:
•
Southern Area Plan (Page 59 - 4.61 Site 22)
•
Retail Sector Strategy 2013
•
Whereyoucan.com
•
Tourism statistics
•
Department of Economic Development Business Grants
For further information
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Mark Grace Bsc (hons) MRICS
Black Grace Cowley
Commercial Director
t. +44(0)1624645550
e. [email protected]
Sarah Corlett
Department of Infrastructure
- Planning and Building Control
lisle of Man
Goverturait
t. +44(0)1624685906
e. [email protected]
....
51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD
Disclaimer
These particulars, although believed to be correct, do not form part of an offer or a contract and they are not intended
to form any representation of fact. Black Grace Cowley Ltd cannot accept any liability for any errors in the particulars stated,
and a prospective purchaser should rely upon his own enquiries and inspection.