MHK: Old nurses' home development represents 'private sector rentals via the public purse'

Douglas Central's Chris Thomas asked three questions in Tynwald this week on the topic

An MHK says he believes Tynwald members were misled into subsidising the development of private sector rentals via the public purse.

Douglas Central's Chris Thomas asked three questions in Tynwald this week regarding the future of the old nurses' home site on Westmoreland Road.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson told the court the Manx Development Corporation (MDC) is not expecting a deficiency between rental income and the ongoing running costs of its 'Thie Clag' redevelopment:

But Mr Thomas told Manx Radio's Political Correspondent Phil Gawne he remains unconvinced that the company should be overseeing the management of the building in a local authority area:

Last week, the Isle of Man Government declared the project was complete.

Built in 1953, the site provided temporary accommodation for hundreds of nurses working at Noble's Hospital.

Originally home to 126 individual bedsits, 'Thie Clag' - which means 'Clock House' in Manx - now has 37 apartments and a commercial unit which is on the ground floor

It is the first major scheme to be completed by the MDC.