Planning permission sought for new family play facility

Applicant wants to 'enrich the leisure offering for families' on Island

A planning application has been submitted which could see a new children's play area created in Douglas.

The plans would see an existing industrial unit on the Tromode Estate change usage to become a leisure facility.

The unit, on Carrs Lane in Tromode, previously housed Panelcraft.

The applicant, Joseph Walls, says family play centres are an 'underserved' offering on the Island, and so, if approved, the location would 'provide an exciting destination for families with children to visit'.

The change of use application states: "Unit 16 is currently unoccupied and we would like to make use of it for the purposes of a Family Play Centre.

"This offering is underserved on the Isle of Man and requires a large internal floor area and high ceiling heights. This site is rare on the island as it offers all the space required in a convenient suburban location and significant parking provision. 

"This facility will be unique to the island, enriching the leisure offering for families. 

"Our aim to improve the quality of Leisure facilities on the island also supports a Strategic priority set out in the Island Plan."

It adds: "This new venue will provide an exciting destination for families with children to visit. 

"Children of all ages will have a fantastic play facility and there will be spectator provision in the form of a seating and cafe area."

If approved, the play centre would be open from 8am to 7pm on weekdays during school term time, with most activity and visitation happening between 4.30pm and 7pm. 

During the weekends and school holidays the opening hours would be between 9am and 7pm.

The building's landlord and their agent are said to be in support of the plans.

You can find the application in full HERE.