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Summerland

Location: Douglas
Parking: Ample, close by

History

Derby Castle was once the site for a villa, built in 1836. The Villa was turned into a pleasure centre in 1877 consisting of a theatre and large ballroom.

The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and the old building demolished. There were two phases in the building of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council over £1.7 million (government grant of £600,000). Phase I was the construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. Phase II was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970.

The new Entertainment Centre was named Summerland and opened in the summer of 1971. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental fire, which triggered a major change in fire regulations on the Island.

With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. The complex is now owned and operated by the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

Location

A large cement building on the far end of Douglas promenade. It is near the start of the Manx Electric Railway.

By Vehicle:
Travel to Douglas and then along the sea front to the far end of Douglas Promenade.

By Bus:
Douglas can be reached using most main bus routes: 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and 6's, as well as many other minor routes. On the island most routes lead to/from Douglas.

By Railway:
By Electric Railway, take the trams heading to Douglas. Then walk from where the trams stop to the large building next door, which is Summerland.

By Steam Railway, take the train to Douglas and then walk along the Promenade to Summerland on the opposite side of the bay.
(Note: It is a long walk, there are always buses and in the summer a regular service by the Horse Drawn Trams.)

Summerland Leisure Complex
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM99 2TB
Tel: +44 (0) 1624 625511

The Site

Facilities Include:
  • Cinema
  • Children's Soft Play Area
  • Squash
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Five-a-Side Football
  • Tennis
  • Rollerskating
  • Volleyball
  • Indoor Golf Simulator
  • Sports Bar
  • Nightclub
  • Spa Suite


Related News Articles

  • Future of Summerland Site 5 October 2010
    Joint Statement by GB Building Solutions, Springham Ltd and the Department of Community, Culture and LeisureThe Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has agreed to consider a revised bid for the Summerland site. [More]
  • Department of Community, Culture and Leisure announces future of Summerland site 30 September 2010
    The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has decided that the Summerland site will be offered for sale. [More]
  • Redevelopment of the Former Summerland Site - The Wave 21 October 2009
    The Department of Tourism and Leisure has today announced that despite the strenuous efforts of both the Sefton Group and the Department, the parties have been unable to reach agreement over the proposed Heads of Terms for the lease of the former Summerland site to enable the development of the Wave leisure complex. [More]
  • New Future for Summerland 19 March 2009
    The Department of Tourism & Leisure has today announced that, subject to further conditions, investigations and negotiations, it has selected the Sefton Group’s proposal for a new family leisure complex to be known as ‘The Wave’ to be constructed on the former Summerland site. [More]
  • New year disappearance for Summerland 15 December 2005
    The final demolition of the Summerland buildings and structures will take place early in the new year. [More]
More >>>
Note

CLOSED COMPLETELY! Demolition of the site from Oct 2005.


Summerland

Summerland

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