A seven-screen cinema, a Travelodge hotel and large car park are included in plans to transform part of Lord Street.

The proposal to develop the former bus station in Douglas has been praised by some House of Keys members, but what do residents think about the design?

The Examiner asked members of the public for their opinions about the plans, which also include 20 flats, bars and restaurants.

’The development of the site has been talked about for over 20 years,’ said James Williamson, 37, from Douglas. ’There seems to be new ideas for it every time.

’I do think that the development could help tourism, which will be good for economy. However, the cinema is not very viable with the size of the population we have and there can only be so many car parks in the island.’

Gloria, 73, and Jeff, 77, Taylor who were ’born and bred’ in Douglas are not so keen on the idea.

’It looks very wonderful, but I don’t think it will come into fruition,’ said Gloria. ’Cinemas are going out of fashion and we’d like to have a bus station with a shop instead. Also, don’t you think there’s enough restaurants in Douglas already?

Jeff added: ’When we were little, there was a circus and bus station there. What’s going to happen to the other cinemas here? We had other cinemas in the past, but they’ve all shut down since.’

Danie Shallcross, a 34-year-old from Onchan, said: ’I think it’s a good idea. There’s definitely a need for more things to do here in Douglas.

’There’s already a cinema, but it’s very small and limited with its shows. It’ll be good to have some "now" films, especially as my friends across ask "have you seen this film?" I’ve had to say "no" because we don’t get it here in the island.

’It’s also good to have more car parks, but where will people working in the area park?’ she asked.

Alan, 68, and Elaine, 68, Harrison from Douglas believe the development is ’going to be brilliant’ if accepted.

’Kids will love it!’ said Elaine. ’The shopping centres in the UK have got cinemas and we’ve got nothing here like that. I remember when the site used to be a big bus station with a shop and you could book your airport tickets there.’

Looking at illustrations of the plan, she said: ’The quayside looks nice with all the cafes. It’ll put the rest of Douglas to shame.’

Alan added: ’They’ve got to make the site look better and it will give the kids somewhere to go with the cinema.

’I think there should be a bit more car parks then 300 for the town centre.’

Elaine said: ’I do think they could be doing something about the space opposite to where the post office used to be in the town centre [Regent Street]. It looks like a real dump and it’s not nice for people getting off the boat to see.’

Douglas resident Jhon Sebastian, 21, said: ’It’ll be a great idea for all the tourists coming over and having a big cinema would interest me, as I live in this area. There will also more choice in films.

’Having a Travelodge would mean more competition here with the Premier Inn, which is good. Premier Inn is in a bad place, as it’s all cramped in. This one is very open and it’s near the terminal.’