A clean up operation is underway on two sites in Douglas after they were snapped up by a property company.

The Isle of Man-based Tevir Group has purchased the buildings and land comprising the ‘Villiers site’ in Douglas.

This incorporates Villiers House (formerly RBSI House), Clarendon House and land including a development plot and the area known as the ‘town square’.

A comprehensive clean-up of this part of the site started on Monday.

Local architects and urban designers are being engaged to progress the first phase of a project that will ultimately lead to a contemporary public space being developed.

In respect of the buildings and development plot that form the other parts of the site:

The vacant Villiers House will be subject to an extensive refurbishment;

Clarendon House is fully tenanted and the group will work with all tenants located in the property to achieve a smooth handover of services and to seek opportunities to improve the services provided;

Long term plans for the development plot on the site are currently being considered.

In respect of the Tevir Group’s other development projects in Douglas the former Zurich headquarters on Athol Street is undergoing extensive building works and refurbishment in order to create premium multi-tenant office space in central Douglas.

Work has already begun on this site and is expected to be completed during the summer of 2019.

Black Grace Cowley is already in advance stage negotiations with a number of parties and the first tenants are expected to take up occupation shortly after completion.

Work is also underway at the former Castle Mona Hotel on Central Promenade in Douglas to secure the site and to prevent further deterioration to the historic building which has been empty since 2006.