Plans to build a £4 million community centre in Ramsey town centre are in jeopardy following news that private funding has been withdrawn.
The search is now on for a new financial backer for the building of the multi-purpose ‘Gateway Centre’ on part of the former Albert Road School site.
Behind the ambitious project, the centrepiece of which would be a 400-seat auditorium, is the Ramsey-based The Church on the Rock.
The church group was established in the town 26 years ago, and forms part of the wider pentecostal Christian charity Elim.
In June last year, it announced the intention to purchase the site from the government – which had advertised for expressions of interest – and soon after revealed that enough money had been privately secured and raised to complete the development within two years, without grants or any government assistance.
Aside from the auditorium that could house concerts and functions, plans include smaller multi-purpose halls and rooms for hire and for youth and children’s work.
The centre would also include a cafe and modern office suites available for businesses. However, it was announced this week that the church has lost its current source of funding with the pastor, Reverend Des Deehan, stating the church was again looking for someone to ‘share their vision of a centre which would be at the heart of the community’.
Pastor Deehan said: ‘It is obviously a great pity, and a massive blow to the church and the north of the island, that this situation has arisen. We fully understand the reasons behind the decision but, nevertheless, it is time to move on and see if we can obtain funding through a different route.
‘The residents of Ramsey, and the north in general, have been incredibly supportive and our hope is that it will not be too long before we have positive news to announce.’
He added: ‘It would be a great shame if this scheme, which will provide a significant investment in the town and community, did not proceed.’
The Church on the Rock had been negotiating with the Manx Government to purchase part of the site.
The church already runs youth clubs and events in the town, and said the centre would just be an extension of work it is already doing, as well as provide a facility available to all.
Many also recognised the potential of having a 400-seat auditorium in Ramsey that could stand up as a venue next to Port Erin’s Arts Centre and the Centenary Centre in Peel.
Ramsey Commissioners expressed their support for the development when discussing the initial planning applications, saying the plans were positive for the town.
Pastor Deehan said: ‘We would love to hear from anyone who would like to help get this development off the ground, a development which would regenerate the town centre. I would be only too pleased to discuss the situation with anyone who would like to join us in bringing our vision to reality.’