Work will begin next month on the construction of a new ?5.2 million headquarters building for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Tynwald has given the "green light" for what will be one of the first office eco-developments on the Island.

According to the department, Thie Slieau Whallian will act as a pioneer for energy efficiency and sustainability, in line with the environmental policies of the Manx government.

The building will be constructed mainly of natural materials, to blend in with the surrounding landscape. And it will be on stilts, to protect it from any flood risk from the nearby river.

By April 2010, DAFF should have a new corporate headquarters bringing together under one roof its six divisions, which are currently at locations all over the Island.

(Picture: Computer generated image of the new ?5.2 million corporate headquarters for DAFF).