The former Marine Biological Station in Port Erin could start to be redeveloped by early next year.

A committee set up last year to investigate its future has reached agreement with the Council of Ministers that the issue should be put to the public for expressions of interest.

Agricultural Minister Phil Gawne says the idea of using the site for a marine research institute has been explored, but this would only be supported by outside parties if it was already set up and running.

He told Manx Radio there were all kinds of potential uses:

"We have already had expressions of interest from three potential developers but, because of financial circumstances, one has had to withdraw.

"I think it would be wrong of me to explore, on air, private discussions but, at this stage, all we've had is expressions of interest.

People have come to the department knowing that we are the lead department on this, discussed various ideas with us and we've listened to the ideas and said we are very interested.

"But clearly if we are going to do anything with the site it has to be done through appropriate public tender."