MNH reveal new visitor hub plans for Laxey Wheel

Original plans withdrawn after public backlash

Manx National Heritage has unveiled new plans for a visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel. 

The original application was withdrawn earlier this year after public backlash.

The original welcome centre stood at Lady Isabella - which is the third most popular visitor attraction for Manx National Heritage - for more than 100 years, operating as a shop and cafe, until it was destroyed by a fire in 1985.

A small replacement stone structure was then built to welcome visitors.

When Manx National Heritage initially revealed the plans, it said it was to replace the current facility – which has not changed significantly for more than 30 years – and doesn't meet modern standards.

It was described as providing a ‘poor visitor welcome’ with no opportunity for shelter and limited retail opportunities which would support income generation.

The plans wanted to demolish the kiosk and turnstile equipment, and the nearby retaining wall would then be re-profiled to create space for the new building.

The first designs showed a single-storey blue building which would be split into a welfare and administration space and an area for visitors to speak to staff, browse merchandise or shelter from the weather.

But local historian Charles Guard described them as 'dreadful', comparing them to a 'mobile classroom'.

Many on social media agreed, calling the building an 'eye sore' and an 'oversized shed'.

Following the criticism, Manx National Heritage withdrew the plans in January.

Now, almost a year later, a new design has been revealed, which is similar but now features a wooden cladding around the building.

It's said the cladding will weather and blend into the surroundings with 'low visual impact'. 

Manx National Heritage says the new plans will provide accessible, light and spacious visitor facilities and will meet the expectations of modern day visitors.

The plans are on display in the Manx Museum until 4.30pm on Tuesday before being moved to Laxey Sailing Club on Thursday where they'll be on display there between 3-6pm.