Latest news with #LaxeyWheel
BBC News
20 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
New visitor hub at Laxey Wheel gets planning committee approval
Plans to demolish the existing entrance kiosk and replace it with a modern visitor hub at a Victorian water wheel have been larger visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel is set to be used to exhibit the history of the site and provide a sheltered space for groups of committee member Peter Whiteway said the new hub would be "functional" and although it "could be prettier" it would serve the purpose its application, Manx National Heritage argued the current facility, which was designed for one person rather than the current three-person team, was "totally inadequate" and offered "cramped and cold" conditions. The existing kiosk also "offers a very poor visitor experience" as there was "no internal space" to provide information or for a retail area, rendering it "not fit for purpose". Built in 1854, the 72ft (22m) diameter wheel is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the as the Lady Isabella, the Victorian wheel was originally used in mining. Recommending the plans for approval, the planning officer's report said the proposal would not impact the appearance of the conservation area, and a modern development could provide a "good distinction between new and old".In his submission to the committee, clerk of Garff Commissioners Martin Royle said some members of the local authority, which had objected to the proposals, had had difficulty with the design of the he said the development could lead to more people discovering the landmark. Last year, Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the sire after backlash over its changes under the revised scheme were the colour and location of the member Helen Hughes said she was "unsure about the design" although she understood staff needed more said while it was an "improvement" on the original proposal it still looked like a portable cabin, but fellow committee member Adele Bettridge noted that there were no toilets within the facility. The committee was told Manx National Heritage said the lifespan of the facility would be 15 to 20 years. The plans were approved with six member in favour and one against. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hundreds watch drone show over Douglas marking city anniversary
Hundreds of people have watched the Isle of Man's first ever drone show to mark the first anniversary of the Manx capital becoming a city. Queen Camilla conferred the status on Douglas in a ceremony on 20 March last year, which the council has named City Day. The display took place over the bay on Thursday evening in front of large crowds. It featured a number of well-known Isle of Man icons, events, and locations, including the Laxey Wheel, a Manx cat and a tribute to Manx-born siblings the Bee Gees. And the TT Races were also among the events highlighted, with the well-known logo flashing across the sky, after the outline of the course and a motorbike moved across the bay. The Tower of Refuge and a tribute to the wild population of wallabies were also featured in the show. Star Symphony Drone Shows ran the event of behalf of the local authority with support from the ELS Group, which provided the sound from the Department for Enterprise met "ancillary costs", it was one of eight places to be given city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
