Delays likely on key route for citadel demolition

Traffic restrictions on a key commuter route through the Manx capital to allow for the demolition of the former Salvation Army citadel will remain in place for a month.

Temporary lights will be in force 24 hours a day on a short stretch of the A1 on Lord Street in Douglas, close to Ridgeway Street, until 4 April.

Developers Hesketh Investments Limited have been granted permission to build a 44-bedroom hotel with a restaurant and bar on the site.

Built in the 1930s, the Salvation Army left the building in 2017 before moving to a permanent headquarters in Braddan last year.

Church Street Lane, which runs behind the building from Lord Street, will shut for the period although emergency access will be maintained.

Parking in four spaces on Ridgeway Street opposite the Douglas City Hall has also also be suspended until the works have been completed.

When submitting the plans, the developers said the hotel would create 16 full-time jobs with an average salary of £30,000.

The proposals were backed by planners in August 2023, with an appeal against the demolition of the building rejected in May 2024 after a review by a planning inspector.

Concerns had been raised the height of the new building would "cast a significant shadow" on some neighbouring properties and the footprint was too big for the urban site.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.