Proposals to redevelop part of Douglas have been welcomed.

It was revealed last week that ’Quayside North’ will include an 80-bedroom Travelodge, a seven-screen Omniplex cinema, bar/restaurant/cafe units, 20 residential flats and about 300 car parking spaces.

Douglas East MHK Clare Bettison said: ’I am delighted to see positive plans for the regeneration of the Lord Street area.

’It is a vital area within Douglas and this development has been long awaited.

’It is imperative that support for appropriate, sustainable development of our island encompasses services that are relevant and future-proof.’

She added: ’The focus now must be on bringing the promenade scheme to reality with appropriate developments at both ends of the Promenade to restore Douglas’s position as the gateway to our beautiful island.’

Douglas councillor Ritchie McNicholl (Murrays ward) said: ’I am pleased that after all these years, as a derelict site, something exciting is to be placed on this site that, hopefully, will kick start regeneration in this area of lower Douglas.

’My congratulations go to the developer who has the foresight to recognise the potential of this important site, and wish them well for the future.’

Fellow councillor Ian Clague MBE (Victoria) said: ’On the face of what I have seen and heard the initial proposals look to me to be very exciting.

’If the combined residential, retail and entertainment facilities are delivered along with off street car parking, the business model stacks up and it is a viable and sustainable scheme, then it has to be applauded and supported.

’Something along these lines is much needed in the area and it supports the aspirations of the Central Douglas master plan.

’This has got to be good for Victoria ward, Douglas and ultimately the island.

’Handled and developed correctly it should bring a great impetus to the island’s economic development.’

The plans still need to go through the planning application process.

Members of the public also took to www.iomtoday.co.im to comment on the plans.

’Ben Steyn’ said ’A Fortune 500 company believes the IoM is a good investment and an "internationally respected offshore business centre’’.

’Sir Nigel Farage’ heaped praise upon the plans ’Excellent plans!

’A bit of ambition and pride in Douglas for a change! Please get it built’.

’Phil’ was cautiously optimistic: ’Good proposal, but I believe a very similar thing was proposed over 10 years ago which ultimately came to nothing’.

’Fell’ noted: ’Not exactly an inspiring bit of architecture. Very utilitarian. It will however be better than what is there at present’.

’Mr Kelly’ added: ’Privately-funded, raising the bar, producing revenue, good luck I say. Let’s get the applications in to the relevant departments and get the show on the road’.

However, some, such as ’Gav’, were not celebrating the plans: ’Architecture out of keeping with a city of any culture. Coffee shops, what, we don’t have enough already? ’Cinema sounds great,if there is competition.

’They will charge next to nothing until the Palace and Broadway are no more, then charge the earth.

’Our current cinemas are actually good value compared to other places.’