A proposal to build a new primary school on the long-vacant Park Road site in Douglas is to go to Tynwald.
The DESC’s plan outlines a new two‑form‑entry primary school, something the minister previously said the site wasn’t suitable for,
The site has been empty since the old Park Road was knocked down in 2013, when the school was moved to Bemahague in Onchan.
It is the preferred location to replace the ageing Murray’s Road and Ballaquayle school sites.
Minister Daphne Caine said: “This project would deliver a modern, energy-efficient school that meets community needs.”
The DESC currently proposes to progress further development and costed proposals for the Park Road site. This work will run alongside other major projects, including the new Castle Rushen High School and STEM facilities at QEII.
What Has Changed?
In its report, the DESC said: “Spatial analysis confirms that when the full site is utilised it can accommodate the required school footprint, with external circulation and play areas cognisant to an urban school environment.
“Two suitable concept designs already exist.”
However, in October 2024, Mrs Caine, in response to question from Joney Faragher, told the House of Keys: “The former Park Road School site remains a viable site for part of this development.
“However, the land does not match the requirements needed to accommodate a two-form entry school.”
It was later noted in July 2025, in Tynwald, that the site is below the Department for Education (England) guidelines for schools of this nature, but some inner city schools have been designed in such a way.
The then DoI minister Dr Michelle Haywood said: The site is perhaps too small for a two-form entry school, as it is below the DfE England recommended size.
“However, in inner-city areas, schools can be fitted onto smaller sites with some clever design choices. A school could perhaps be fitted onto this site if it was the only option open to DESC.”
We have asked the DESC to clarify what has changed in its position regarding the sites suitability.