A seafront guesthouse owned and run by the Opul group is to close due to the extent and cost of remedial works to address fire safety and environmental heath issues.

Guests - including a number of long-staying residents - at Opul House on Central Promenade, Douglas, have been told to move out no later than December 6.

They have been informed of the move by Opul’s chief operations officer Andrew Jamieson.

In an email, and a letter due to be delivered to each room, he told them: ‘We understand that this news may cause inconvenience and uncertainty, particularly for guests who have been staying with us for an extended period, and we sincerely regret the disruption to your accommodation.’

He said that following recent inspections and discussions with the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and Environmental Health, Opul management has ‘regrettably made the difficult decision to bring accommodation operations at Opul House to a close’.

Mr Jamieson explained that this was due to the ‘extent and significant cost of the remedial works required’.

The 23-bedroom Opul House, formerly the St Helier’s Hotel, was acquired by the Opul group following its closure at the end of the 2023 season.

It is understood that the premises were used as staff accommodation by Opul as well as taking bookings for short stay visitors.

Opul said it had received confirmation from the fire service that the final date of operation will be Monday December 7.

The email from the chief operation officer states: ‘All guests are therefore required to vacate Opul House no later than Sunday December 6.

‘Please begin making arrangements for alternative accommodation as soon as possible and ensure that all personal belongings are removed from your room before departure.

‘If you plan to leave earlier, please inform the management team so that your departure and key return be arranged.’

Managers have arranged a meeting with guests to explain the closure arrangements and answer any questions.

Mr Jamieson added in his email and letter: ‘We appreciate that this is a significant change, and we are grateful for your patience, understanding and co-operation during this period.

‘Thank you for choosing Opul House as your accommodation.’

Opul insist that it is independent commercial decision and the closure is not the result of any external intervention or requirement.

It says management will consider opportunities for future development and investment in Opul House.

Opul is headquartered at the Opul Centre, formerly the Tower House shopping centre in Douglas.

In June there was confusion when it announced a sudden suspension of taxi operations.

A WhatsApp message sent out to drivers for Telecabs and Opul Taxis said that the booking system would be switched off until further notice due to ‘circumstances beyond our control’.

It came at the worst possible time with thousands of departing TT visitors needing cabs to get them to the Sea Terminal and airport.

But bookings were being taken again the next day after full-time drivers were called in and told it had been a ‘misunderstanding’.