The new council flats in Douglas are much needed and will open up redevelopment opportunities in the town centre, according to councillors.

The £12.6m scheme for 66 flats has been put together by Douglas Council, the Department of Infrastructure and property developer Dandara.

Last week’s Examiner reported that planning permission had been granted.

Housing committee chairman Claire Wells said that she is ’delighted that we are advancing this much-needed and long awaited scheme’.

Mrs Wells added: ’This is set to be a flagship development which, in partnership with government, means the council will be able to provide affordable good quality social housing in the heart of the capital.

’The scheme will also unlock opportunities for redeveloping parts of lower Douglas. To this end we will be reviewing and responding to the housing needs of our tenants in the area, with whom our housing officers will be communicating and consulting over the coming months.

’This is a development that’s about civic pride, working in partnership and listening and responding to residents’ needs. And it demonstrates the council’s 100% commitment to delivering for its tenantsâ?¦and for Douglas.’

Once completed, the 66 one- and two-bed flats will be built in two blocks and share 28 car parking spaces. The council has also decided that each flat should have its own bike storage unit.

Council leader David Christian said: ’This project illustrates the pivotal role played by the council in discussions with government over the area plan for the east.

’In this the council has always argued that developing brownfield sites in the town centre must take priority, as it will strengthen the vitality, vibrancy, sense of community and long-term economic resilience of the capital.’

The Lord Street flats were built in the 1930s, with the first four blocks fully occupied by the end of July 1932.