Nunnery owners to 're-purpose' teaching rooms into office space

All UCM classes to relocate to other campus' in July

The owners of the Nunnery in Douglas say teaching rooms currently used by University College Isle of Man will be re-purposed into office spaces.

UCM has confirmed all classes taught at the Nunnery Campus are to relocate at the end of the academic year.

You can read more here.

In a statement, issued to Manx Radio, the Nunnery has thanked UCM for the 10 years that is has occupied the Mansion House and for 'the ongoing positive interaction that [it has] always enjoyed with the students, academic and administrative staff'.

From 1 August it will be re-purposing the teaching rooms to 'accommodate the growing demand for versatile business premises and training facilities in the Douglas area'.

In August last year the International Centre for Technology Limited sought planning permission to construct new office accommodation in the grounds of The Nunnery in order to stop the estate becoming ‘obsolete’.

ICT said it wanted to construct eight, two storey, lettable units with associated access and parking.

That application is still pending consideration.

The statement also confirmed the company will soon be submitting an application to create an 'on-site café'.

It adds: "The Nunnery estate is home to many start-up businesses and these businesses have also benefitted from the presence of the students on the campus and their involvement in daily life around the estate.

"It has been a privilege to be part of many of UCM’s activities such as the Research Festival and the Small Countries Financial Management Programme.

"We have also delighted in having young people enjoying the expansive gardens and relaxed safe surrounds.

"It has been a bonus that some of the businesses have employed students on a part-time basis or offered graduating students the opportunity to join them in full-time employment.

"From 1 August the Nunnery will be able to re-purpose the teaching rooms into office spaces of varying sizes to accommodate the growing demand for versatile business premises and training facilities in the Douglas area.

"Being only 20 minutes from the airport, with ample parking, and within easy walking distance of the Douglas CBD it is an ideal location to meet all business requirements.

"As our ongoing commitment to restoring and enhancing the Nunnery we will shortly be making a planning application for an on-site café to further serve the needs of the businesses, their employees and visitors.

"The Nunnery wishes the University College Isle of Man, its academic staff, the Student Services Department and the students the very best as they look to enhance their student experience on their other campuses."