New hotel complex will have reduced retail and leisure space

The developer working on plans for a new hotel complex at the former bus station in Douglas now has permission to reduce the amount of retail and leisure space the development would include.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney asked for Tynwald permission to change the terms of the agreement with Askett Hawk.

The company wants to reduce retail and leisure space from 72,000 square feet to 40,000.

Mr Cretney told politicians that Askett Hawk made the request after drawing up more detailed flood risk plans and isn't set to gain financially from the change.

Tynwald voted in favour.