The former Bar George pub could be turned into a convenience store focused on selling island produce under new proposals.

St George’s Chambers on Hill Street in Douglas city centre has already been the subject of a recent planning application to turn the upper floor into a music rehearsal and teaching space.

Now, a change-of-use application by Kewaigue-based Harbatta & Daugherty Ltd has been submitted to turn the former bar - which closed in March last year - on the ground floor into the convenience store.

In the design statement, the applicant says: ‘The proposed store introduces a new brand to the island, focused on meeting local demand for fresh lunch options and “meals for tonight”, providing a high-quality, accessible food offer tailored to office workers, residents, and visitors in the surrounding area.

‘The scale and nature of the proposed convenience store is modest and designed to serve the immediate locality. It is expected to complement existing businesses by increasing footfall and activity.’

The applicant argues the previous use as a bar had become an unpredictable sector but retail remains strong.

The design statement says: ‘The previous use of the premises as a bar has proven to be economically unstable, a pattern which is reflected more widely across the sector.

‘Hospitality-led uses are increasingly sensitive to changing consumer behaviour, including reduced evening economy spending and a shift towards more flexible and value-led consumption.

‘By contrast, convenience retail has demonstrated consistent resilience, driven by evolving customer habits such as demand for quick, local shopping.

‘The proposed use therefore represents a more sustainable and reliable long-term occupation of the building and a stable rent for the church as our landlord, better aligned with current market demand and daytime town centre activity.’

The new store would also stock local produce to support island businesses and farmers.

The applicant says: ‘The store will actively stock and promote a wide range of locally sourced goods, including flour, milk, cheese, eggs, alcohol and other locally grown and reared products.

‘By prioritising local sourcing, the store will not only serve convenience needs but also contribute positively to the economic resilience and identity of the Isle of Man.’

Last month, St George's Church Trust submitted a change-of-use application that would allow Mannin Music Ltd to use the upper floor of St George's Chambers for music education, alongside rehearsal and practice space for community groups and creative businesses.

If approved, the venue could operate between 10am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.30am to 4pm at weekends.

Mannin Music currently teaches 90 children each week through its ‘Mini Musicians’ programme, while its ‘Rock Project’ has 50 students, with scope for further expansion. Community groups using the building could account for around 100 people each week.

The company said: ‘Before being converted into offices, the building was used for education and entertainment as a Sunday school, memorial hall and cinema. We would love the opportunity to restore some of its original purpose.’

Both applications are being considered by the planning committee in due course.