Douglas Council to sell former Lord Street flats

A four-story residential building in the heart of the Isle of Man’s capital, previously utilized as local authority housing, is slated for sale on the open market. Constructed in the 1930s, Douglas Council’s 56-unit development on Lord Street was boarded up in 2022 after its tenants were relocated to a more modern facility on Peel Road. Devon Watson, Chairman of the Housing and Property Committee, stated that the former apartments were “no longer suitable” due to a “lack of modern day facilities.” He added that the proceeds from the sale would be re-invested into future housing projects, as well as the maintenance and refurbishment of existing properties. The building on Lord Street consists of four distinct blocks connected by a communal yard. Watson noted that the premises lacked amenities such as lift access, parking, or a secure entrance. He acknowledged that while the flats had “served Douglas well,” they were considered some of the “more outdated” apartments within the council’s estate. The authority expanded its housing inventory in 2022 with the completion of a 66-apartment development. In the same year, planning approval was also granted for the construction of 48 two-bedroom flats in Willaston. Watson further affirmed the authority’s commitment to delivering “quality, efficient and affordable homes” and stated that the team was “dedicated to improving living standards.” Council leader Claire Wells described the move as an “obvious step to take” for the authority, presenting an opportunity for investors to “regenerate a prominent area of Lower Douglas.”