The Church on The Rock in Ramsey is negotiating with Government to purchase a major part of the former Albert Road School site in Ramsey. Their proposal is to build a new multi-purpose community building, to be called The Gateway Centre.
Rev. Des Deehan, pastor of Church on the Rock, said “Our vision is to develop a multi-purpose building that will be at the centre of Ramsey. It will be a place for the Community, their events and activities. We aim to provide a place that will enrich the life of Ramsey; a centre available to all, day in, day out.
“We see Ramsey as a great place to live and work and this new centre as part of the revival of the North of the Island. It will be a significant investment in the town, the community and the surrounding parishes.
“The Gateway Centre will be a signature development. Its centrepiece will be a multi-purpose 400 seater auditorium for concerts, functions, wedding receptions, etc., There will also be smaller multi-purpose halls and rooms for hire and for Youth & Children’s work. The centre will also include a cafe and modern office suites available for businesses seeking new high-quality office space.”
“The intention is to provide a quality building that will also encourage other private developers and landowners to increase investment in the town and help drive forward the regeneration of the town centre.’
The opportunity for purchasing the site arose when, last June, Government advertised the site, asking for expressions of interest from developers or occupiers for commercial or mixed used development.
Following a selection process the Church was given time to provide more details about the appearance of the building, funding etc. Pastor Deehan said “design, consultations and negotiations are well advanced and subject to agreeing a market value purchase price, we hope to be in a position to submit a planning application and agree Heads of Terms in the very near future.”
