The government has released an image of how the Victorian railway station in Douglas will look after it is redeveloped.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne says the original exterior will be preserved, while the inside will undergo a transformation.

Mr Gawne said: 'The railway station was erected around 1890 and put on the Protected Buildings Register in 1984. Although it was not deemed to be a good example of such a Victorian structure it was accepted that it was valued by the public. However, the building has suffered from a lack of investment over many years now.

'In the current climate it is not enough just to patch up what is there but to maximise the return for both taxpayers and passengers while maintaining our heritage. That is what this scheme aims to deliver, however, I am keen to listen to all opinions and will amend the scheme where appropriate.'

If the scheme is approved by Tynwald, the restaurant and cafe will be moved to a first floor mezzanine. Lift access and a new staircase would be constructed in the existing tower while a new al fresco dining area with a glass canopy sympathetic to the style of the building is proposed for the rear to provide additional seating for cafe patrons and a sheltered waiting area for passengers.

Removing the existing kitchen and mezzanine area of the restaurant would open up previously blocked up windows and restore the original open character of the space, the application states. The interior of the building’s ground floor would also be revamped without compromising original parts of the structure. As well as refurbishing the ticket office and staff facilities, the plans include provision
of a new retail space.

Refurbishment of the building includes utilising the currently unusable loft space, re-pointing brickwork and replacing or reinstating windows and doors. The works would also see repairs made to the structure and mechanism of the clock tower, where subsidence has caused the clock to stop working, and a smartening up of the steps and external areas.


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