Plans to transform city centre offices into rehearsal space

Mannin Music Limited submits change of use application for St George's Chambers

Plans have been submitted to transform former offices in central Douglas into a rehearsal space.

The applicant, Mannin Music Limited, has applied for a change of use for the first floor of St George's Chambers on Hill Street.

The company wants to teach music on the premises and allow community groups and creative businesses to use the rehearsal/ practice space.

Mannin Music currently has a small rehearsal studio in Douglas and a retail and rehearsal space on Market Street in Peel. 

However, it says "as our rehearsal studio isn’t big enough we currently have to hire other venues around Douglas. 

"St. George’s would allow us to consolidate all of our Douglas activities under one roof, and also give us the space that we need to expand our business."

The building itself was formerly a Sunday school and a memorial hall with a cinema.
Mannin Music says: "Before being converted to offices, the building was used as for education and entertainment purposes."We would love the opportunity to bring back some of the original purpose of the building."

If approved, the venue would be available between 10am – 10pm on weekdays, and 9:30am-4pm at weekends.

However, it says these times would be flexible based on the number of bookings.

The venue would not be open to the public, and would only be used by key holders and the people attending their sessions.

Considering the solid stone construction of the building, Mannin Music says it's confident there will be little noise disruption to the business below, or those nearby.

It adds that no amplification would be used in classes during the day, so no nearby offices would be affected during their opening hours. There are also plans to fit drapes and acoustic panels on the internal rooms to help contain the noise further.

You can find out more information regarding this planning application HERE.