Call for government relocations

More Isle of Man government departments should relocate to sites outside Douglas, the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners says.

Tynwald has approved plans by the Department of Agriculture to build a new £5.2m corporate headquarters.

The eco-building will be constructed in St Johns, but Brian Beattie believes other departments could move north.

"Ramsey would certainly welcome a government department in the future," said Mr Beattie.

'Exciting time'

The Isle of Man's parliament, Tynwald, and the majority of government departments are located in Douglas, the island's capital.

He added: "I know the commissioners have spoken with our MHKs and have made no secret of the fact they would love to see a government department relocate to Ramsey."

"As we've now got the Albert Road school empty there's a site there in the middle of town which would certainly serve a government department."

Six divisions of the Department of Agriculture will be centralised at the new corporate headquarters, which will be built next to the Forestry Division on Hope Road.

Agriculture minsiter Phil Gawne said: "This is a very exciting time for the department and we are delighted that the plans have been approved by Tynwald this week.

"We are pleased to be able to lead the way for the construction of an eco-development on the island and I am looking forward to seeing the project commence and develop over the coming 16 months."