Further details have emerged of plans for a year-round sports, wellbeing and hospitality destination at The Nunnery in Douglas.

The proposed development, called ‘HABIT’, would feature the Isle of Man's first indoor padel club, alongside a wild spa, natural outdoor swimming pool and glasshouse dining facilities.

The project is being developed by four local families, with the aim of bringing sport, leisure, hospitality and nature together at one location.

Johnny and Loni Evans are leading the venture alongside Miles and Pippa Pettit, the husband-and-wife founders of NOA, the artisan sourdough bakery, coffee roaster and microbrewery which operates cafés in central Douglas.

Johnny Evans said the team wanted to create somewhere people could enjoy throughout the year.

‘We share one ambition: to make something brilliant here,’ he said. ‘Not exclusive, not occasional - a place people fold into their everyday lives, all year round, and one more thing that makes the island such a special place to visit.’

The proposals aim to make use of the estate's natural surroundings, with gardens, pathways, decking and outdoor spaces connecting the planned padel barn, glasshouse, swimming pool and wellness facilities.

Landscaping plans include native trees and shrubs, traditional Manx hedge banks and wildlife-friendly planting. Nesting and hibernation structures for birds, bats and insects are also proposed, with the aim of supporting biodiversity and strengthening links with the wider UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.

Several local businesses and consultants have been involved in developing the proposals, including McGarrigle Ayre Architects, March Consultants, BB Consulting Engineers, Project Fire and Manx Roots.

The planning application was submitted in July and remains under consideration by the planning authority.