Plans to build a £100m marina in Ramsey have been met with a mixed reaction from politicians and community groups.

Chairman of the commissioners Andy Cowie and Dr Alex Allinson MHK welcomed the plans, but the Manx Wildlife Trust has raised concerns over environmental issues regarding the project.

The plan for the marina was announced by Robin Bromley-Martin during his appearance the Tynwald policy review committee which is investigating the Department of Infrastructure’s harbours strategy.

His proposal is to build a 400-berth yachting marina that he says would provide 24/7 access to all berths and bring new business to the town.

His plan has been welcomed by the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners, Andy Cowie, who told the Examiner that the local authority is ’broadly supportive of the proposals’.

Mr Cowie said: ’The Commissioners have been in consultation with the developer for some time and are broadly supportive of the proposals, which could have a significant impact on Ramsey’s future prosperity.

’There are some technical concerns with the design and careful consideration needs to be given to the potential loss of the beach space.

’However, given the large stretches of beaches in Ramsey with the cleanest water on the Isle of Man we would hope these concerns can be addressed effectively.

’We also look forward to the results of a public consultation, which we feel will be positive on the whole.’

Catalyst

He said that in his view it is ’a great opportunity for Ramsey and could provide a strong catalyst for development and growth as well as bringing jobs and visitors to our town’.

Mr Cowie’s view on the plan was supported by Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson.

He said he will always ’support and encourage sustainable development which will benefit the people of Ramsey and the north’.

Dr Allinson added that the ’ambitious plan’ would bring new employment opportunities and ’continue the regeneration of the town’.

He said: ’A lot of the existing promenade was built by the Victorians on reclaimed land and this new proposal would enhance the existing facilities of the harbour and shipyard.

Investment

’The next step must be to seek the views of local people and ensure that this private investment in the town will bring real benefits both for them and the large number of visitors who will use the marina.’

His Ramsey colleague Lawrie Hooper MHK said: ’I think that this announcement is an ambitious vote of confidence in Ramsey and I’m looking forward to seeing how these plans progress.

’With an investment of this scale there will be a long process which means there should be plenty of time for the developers to engage with local stakeholders and the public to get the right outcome for the town.’

Under his plans for the marina, Mr Bromley-Martin would seek to extend the breakwater by 300m outwards and 350m south towards the Queen’s Pier.

His development would include a boutique hotel as well as chandlery stores and bars located around an open piazza type area and 200 new homes.

This would be built on 12 hectares of reclaimed land.