THE largest distributor of alcohol in the UK has submitted plans to create a pub, children's play barn and entertainment complex in Tromode.
EFB Ltd, under the arm of EFB (IoM) Ltd, has submitted a planning application for approval in principle to build on land adjacent to Ballafletcher Road.
The application is for mixed use development to provide industrial, warehousing, office, retail, accommodation and leisure facilities.
EFB Ltd operates bonded warehouses and distributes wholesale to major supermarkets and various retail outlets in the UK under then brands Booze Buster, Shop to go, Oddbins and Wine Cellar. It also operates cash and carry operations under the brand 2 Ticks and serves pubs and restaurants under the name John Stephenson.
EFB (IoM) Ltd, which has offices in Douglas already, said the land, which is owned by the Isle of Man Government, "meets all the requirements for a mixed-use development of complimentary operations".
In the application the company has stated: "There is the opportunity of creating an attractive development encompassing the functionality of the offices and warehouse with the more leisure orientated facilities in a safe and segregated manner fulfilling a real need not only for the local working and residential community but for the Island as a whole."
Plans for the site include a 1400 metre squared warehouse area that would be used as a trade counter operation – primarily used to showcase for Oddbins – and a warehouse storage facility which is mainly for buyers and sales representatives who are visiting EFB (IoM) Ltd to view products.
The plans also include the creation of a motel facility which would comprise of nine bedrooms with three suites. This would be predominantly used to serve EFB (IoM) Ltd and its visiting representatives as the company has said it has had difficulty finding suitable accommodation at short notice in the past.
A 300 metre squared play barn, in a separate building to that of the warehouse, would offer supervised play facilities for toddlers through to juniors with a focus on all round entertainment and educational play. The area would be themed and would include soft play, a framed structure with ball pits, tubes and nets and swings.
A pub and restaurant have also been included in the same building as the play barn. The venue would be capable of providing up to 150 covers and would be open from breakfast until late every day.
The planned entertainment centre would consist of a 12 lane bowling alley with a café, bar and games area. There would also be a children's adventure centre above which would cater for older children. Above this would be a large multipurpose function room which could be used for community events and as a meeting hall.
Access to the warehouse would be via the existing industrial estate road. Access for all other uses would be by a new access road which would link to Ballafletcher Road if approved.
The full planning application has been submitted by local architects McGarrigle and Jackson and can be viewed by clicking here. The Planning and Building Control division of the Department of Infrastructure will review the application in approximately three weeks time.
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