A landmark Douglas building looks set to avoid a proposed demolition after plans for the South Quay were amended.

The application (18/01342/B) originally submitted by a company called South Quay Commercial in late 2018 would have see the former Trafalgar pub demolished along with surrounding industrial units.

Updated plans have been submitted by SQC, in which it says it now wants to retain the pub as it ’demonstrates traditional Manx architecture and is a significant feature of the corner site’.

Confusingly, in its introduction to the amended plans, Thomas Hunter Architects said the application is for the ’demolition of the existing industrial properties at 31 to 39 South Quay and Trafalgar House’.

Under the amended proposal, the units on the South Quay would be replaced by a seven storey building with 37 one and two bedrooms as well as a retail unit on the ground floor, with office spaces, rooftop wine bar, a gym and an underground car park with spaces for 50 vehicles.

The newly proposed building looks very different to the previous plans.

Gone is the striking red brick which had been the subject of some of the objections raised by residents and Douglas Borough Council.

In its objection, the council said: ’The proposed development and finish of the building is not in keeping with the surrounding street scene.

Mixed-use

’The council is concerned about the proposed mass of the buildings and the detrimental effects this would have on the existing amenities of the area.’

In place of the red brick, SQC has suggested a mixture of darker bricks be used, in an apparent effort for the proposed development to fit in more with the surrounding buildings.