Superdrug to take over vacant Regatta store

Planning has been approved for two new shop fronts

Superdrug in Douglas is set to expand into the vacant Regatta store next door. 

The health and beauty retailer on Strand Street has had planning approved for two new shop fronts and signage as it takes over the empty shop. 

It plans to take down the middle wall, making the ground floor one unit for customers, with upstairs to be kept as storage. 

The officers report says: "The proposed development would result in both units having matching shopfronts. 

"Internally it is the Applicant's intention to combine the two units together and operate both units as one expanded Superdrug store. 

"The internal works do not require planning permission. 

"The proposal has been designed in such a way, with two separate door sets, that in the future the units could be sub-divided again internally and could operate as two separate retail units, should future occupiers require."

Regatta, an outdoor retailer, opened on Strand Street in 2022 but closed just three years later in 2025 citing reduced footfall to the store.

Work is expected to start on the expanded Superdrug store later this year.