An application to convert a landmark office block into a 64-bedroom hotel has been unanimously approved by the planning committee. Applicant Keith Lord of Hesketh Investments said the Royalty House’s transformation into a hotel will create up to 33 jobs and could welcome some 28,800 guests year. The proposal will see the loss of 20,000 sq ft of office space in Douglas but recommending approval, planning officer Chris Balmer said this was acceptable.
Planning committee member Peter Whiteway said: ‘There is too much empty office space in Douglas.’ Luxury knitwear manufacturer to move its operations from London to the Isle of Man Luxury apartment complex at ex-hotel site will include private club lounge and gym Spar expansion plans at Isle of Man airport garage could create 40 jobs Offshore wind farm will offer a 'variety of benefits to island residents' Committee chairman Rob Callister agreed: ‘There is a lot of office space out there. This is a beautiful building and I think it will be an absolutely fantastic hotel.
’ Royalty House on Walpole Avenue was built in the 1990s in the Art Deco style in a nod to the cinema that once occupied the site. Hesketh’s application (24/00572/B) will see a single storey extension to create a rooftop spa and green energy plant room. The current 13 parking spaces on the ground floor will be removed and access to them blocked off to provide room for a new restaurant and bar and reception foyer.
There will be 64 bedrooms on the four upp.