Plans for a new development in place of the former Newson’s building on North Quay have been put forward, as announced in this week's Manx Independent.

The new units will include bars and restaurants, as well as apartments overlooking the quay.

Permission is currently being sought for an upgrade to the former clothing suppliers plus its neighbouring buildings to create a development called Merchants Place.

Merchants House, a historic building at the centre of the development, has given it its name.

If planning consent is given, Merchants Place will start construction later this year with completion estimated by mid-2024.

The buildings are privately-owned.

This will be a ’modern development that honours local heritage while rejuvenating the brownfield site’, according to Kelman Limited which is investing in the development.

On the ground floor there will be three new bar and restaurant units.

Meanwhile, the upper floors will feature ten ’environmentally sensitive’ apartments which will overlook the marina.

Each one will be built to low-carbon standards with modern insulation, while featuring external facades with traditional Manx stone.

A spokesperson for Kelman Limited said: ’It will be a great boost for businesses and customers.

’People across the Isle of Man will benefit from this investment in a brownfield site which turns derelict and empty buildings into something that we can be proud of.

’It will enhance the attractiveness of the quay to both the people of Mann and visitors from elsewhere.’

More information can be found on page 13.