A landmark building in the centre of the island’s financial business hub has been refurbished.
Former register office Athol House is now being rented out as superior office space and companies are already expressing interest in being based there.
The work, which cost a ‘significant’ amount of money, was overseen by Henrik Buchleitner, Danish-born director of Douglas Technical Limited, the parent company of the technical group Kronospan.
Mr Buchleitner said he was very proud with the success of the revamp for the building.
He said the project has touched all parts of the property and has protected most of the existing architectural features as well as re-introducing many that were lost over time.
Kronospan has been in the island since 1986. Mr Buchleitner said: ‘Kronospan continues to find the legal and financial structure in the island to be supportive for growing the services which are needed within an international group. The board of directors are pleased that by investing in Athol House, a further avenue of the group’s activities has been added which also benefits the local economy.’
Allan Bell, Chief Minister, said: ‘It is gratifying that Kronospan continues to support businesses in the island and it is growing its investment here.
By refurbishing another historical building to such a high standard they are showing their commitment to Douglas, and helping to preserve more of our history.’
Douglas Technical Ltd celebrated with a reception for the Lieutenant Governor, government, banking, professional and business leaders as well as key contractors.
Athol House is thought to have been built some time around 1806 (No. 23) and 1927 (No. 21a). Over the years it has been used by different companies and in later years from around the late 1940s it was used by various departments of government. It has also been the register office.
Kronospan is a global leading producer in the world of wood-based panel products such as laminate flooring and MDF (medium density fibreboard). Kronospan is present in 27 countries with 34 manufacturing sites.
