Plans have been submitted for a £1.5 million project to demolish and rebuild the Strathallan horse tram depot in Douglas .

The proposed design closely resembles the original depot that was built on Strathallan Crescent in 1902.

The Department of Infrastructure told the Isle of Man Examiner the £1.5 million is expected to rise, with additional costs to fit out and equip the building.

In the proposal (18/00305/GB) the new building will include space for temporary storage of Manx Electric Railway tramcars, a ticket sales area, first-floor offices and welfare staff facilities that will replace the current facility, which is in a state of disrepair.

The new sheds will accommodate 13 horse tramcars over two thirds of the building’s area, with the main staff facilities in the west wing and the storage and drying rooms in the rear of the tram sheds.

In the east wing of the tramshed, there will be an indoor ticket sales area and washrooms for passengers, as well as a space for future development - which could possibly be used as a cafe or operated by a private tenant.

Offices on the first floor will be used by 16 engineering staff members.

The facade of the building will be based on the original building with 12 doors, parapet and mouldings. The existing tracks and traverser in the forecourt will remain as they are.

The plan, which was received by government planners on March 22, is thought to complement the tourist attraction’s heritage status and enhance the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area.

Separate planning permission is being sought for temporary stables for the tram horses on the Summerland site.

A second, smaller, proposal for temporary stables was approved in December but an appeal was launched against it.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, member with responsibility for public transport, said: ’The horse trams’ historical and cultural significance play an important role in the life of the promenade, and the layout of the track was given careful consideration during the planning of the new promenade design.

’The proposed replacement building is intended to ensure the service continues well into the future by providing modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

’It also provides the opportunity to construct a new building that will look almost identical to the depot that was built in 1902 and that clearly relates closely to the historic context of the area.’

If planning consent is received, work may begin in summer.