A building tucked away behind Summer Hill could be transformed into a coffee shop, children's imaginative play area and indoor mini golf course under new proposals.

Contigo Ltd has submitted a planning application to change the use of the building, previously used as stables, a warehouse and a carpenter's workshop.

The premises stand on Summer Hill Grove, behind the horse tram stables, off Summer Hill in Douglas.

The proposed venue would occupy the building's existing three floors.

In its design statement, the applicant says: ‘This application sets out to utilise the vast amount of empty floor space within the warehouse. On the left-hand side at ground floor level there will be toilet facilities, a kitchen, café space and seating area.

‘On the right-hand side, at ground floor level there will be a children’s imaginative play area which will also be at first floor level, alongside a quiet library/reading area.

‘On the second floor there is to be an Isle of Man themed indoor mini golf course. The proposed café, children's imaginative play area and mini golf course are arranged over the ground, first and second floor of the proposal.

‘There will be disabled access on the ground floor. This will provide access to the cafe, disabled toilet and lower play area.

‘The current condition of the building, while structurally sound, is in need of restoration.’

No new parking spaces are proposed, but the applicant points to long-stay parking on Douglas Promenade and public transport links. Bicycle storage would also be provided within the grounds.

The applicant adds: ‘Given the increased footfall on the right of way leading to the premises, the applicant is willing to contribute towards the cost of maintaining the lane and surrounding area.

‘The current parking restrictions on Queens Promenade area are ‘Maximum stay of 24 hours. We believe this has little to no affect on this particular application in regard to customer/staff parking.

‘There is currently in place a roadside zone of ‘buses & coaches drop off, pick up point only’, this area could be utilised by the commercial unit for deliveries and pick up/drop offs.’

The applicant also argues that the Area Plan for the East includes a presumption in favour of tourism and leisure facilities, supporting the proposed development.

Proposed opening hours for the café, children's imaginative play area and mini golf course are 9am to 9pm, seven days a week.

The applicant has not specified how many jobs the development could create, although the plans refer to employment opportunities.

The design statement concludes: ‘The position and location of the warehouse will be unknown to most. The proposal is set out to bring new life into a vacant warehouse while creating additional facilities for children, teenagers and adding a tourist attraction space as well as employment opportunities.’

The application has yet to be considered by planners.