The proposals for the specialist science innovation and research centre follow a recent change in legislation to allow cannabis to be grown on the Isle of Man and exported, as the island seeks to become a leader in the emerging medicinal cannabis sector.

Peel NRE’s planning application will include detail for the first phase of the development, including two units for the cultivation facility as well as an access road, engineering works and preliminary landscaping. 

Garry Stewart Design Associates is the architect for the scheme.

Its plans include a sustainable energy park with a solar farm generating 11-14MW to help power the site

Located at the corner of Cooil Road and the A5 (New Castletown Road), the proposed development will help the Isle of Man develop home-grown talent that will contribute to cutting-edge research into cannabinoids for pharmaceutical uses.

Stephen Snowdon, Planning and Development Manager at Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, said: “The Isle of Man Government is seeking to establish an innovation cluster on the island, dedicated to the production and export of cannabis-derived products serving the medicinal and pharmaceutical markets. 

“We are excited to bring our proposals forward to help to create a new export market, more jobs and attract a range of specialist scientific and research and development industries to the Island to support the local economy.”

A planning application will be submitted within the next two months to the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture after public consultation.