Plans for first phase of Castle Mona restoration submitted

Tevir Group have submitted plans for the first phase of restoration of the Castle Mona, Douglas. The proposed works are detailed within three planning applications and three registered building applications, which have been submitted today for consideration by the Planning and Building Control Directorate.
 
Ciaran Doherty, Managing Director, Tevir Group said:
 
‘We are keenly aware that the Castle Mona is a key heritage asset for the Isle of Man and extremely mindful of the great interest that the Manx public have in the property. These proposals will necessitate significant investment but will enable us to rectify core issues that have compromised the integrity of the building in recent years, such as significant water ingress.
 
‘We are not yet in a position to announce plans for the future use of the building. However, we would point to our impressive track record over the past 18 months in delivering major refurbishment projects, and securing quality tenants, at other properties in our ownership, namely 55 Athol Street and Villiers House in Douglas.’
 
Full details of the Planning and Building Applications will be able to be viewed online once they have been uploaded to the Planning and Building Control section on the Isle of Man Government website.
 
Tevir Group are working with local architects, Horncastle Thomas, on the Castle Mona project, who are experienced in dealing with sensitive development projects involving registered buildings. Their work on the Market Hall in Douglas was shortlisted for a RIBA Award in 2019.
 
Remedial works on the property to date have been done in conjunction and with the agreement of DEFA’s Registered Building Officer.
 
In brief the applications cover the following three main areas:
 
1.     Replacement of roof coverings with slate and repair of the roof structure
 
This work will represent a major enhancement to the building. Parts of the roof are composed of a concrete roof tile so replacement with natural slate and careful repair of the structure where required will enable a major cause of the ongoing water ingress to be rectified.
 
The Castle Mona has had roofing works undertaken in the past. These included replacing the roof finish with a concrete roof tile and subsequent repairs to the flashings, generally in fibreglass.
 
Following the acquisition of the building by Tevir Group in 2018 some necessary repair works were undertaken to the roof following consultation with the Registered Buildings Officer. These repairs were attended to again in 2019 but it is clear that further work is required to stop water ingress and protect the building fabric and internal historic detailing.
 
2.     Interior works to remove modern interventions
 
In brief this is the removal of modern interventions like the bathrooms, hotel fittings, former Reception area. The building has been subject to many changes over the years, which have compromised the integrity of the original build. These include the proposed removal of:

•       modern ceilings;
•       modern bathroom en-suites and finishes;
•       modern partitions and fixtures;
•       the rear single storey store/toilets extensions;
•       the single storey flat roof infill and associated office/toilets to the inner courtyard.
 
This will enable a better understanding of the building. Any remaining, but obscured, historic detailing will be revealed along with problem issues, such as areas of water ingress. This will better inform any future development phases as well as improving maintenance access until the longer term works are undertaken.
 
3.     Removal of the later additions/extensions to the building: the former bowling alley and the north-east bedroom/dining wing and provision of a temporary protective rain screen
 
The south west wing and north east extensions do not form part of the registered part of the building, though they do fall within a conservation area. It is proposed to remove the north-east bedroom and dining wing together with the former bowling alley, which are later additions (1960s and 1990s) and are of limited architectural value. This will improve access to the main core of the building for the re-roofing and ongoing maintenance. The extensions are in poor condition and detract from the main core of the building.
 
The lower floor of the south west wing is part of the original building; the upper floor was added when the building was converted into an hotel. This wing will remain intact.