News

What’s Driving Increased Confidence in Residential Projects?

6th January 2026

Happy New Year – Blein Vie Noa!

Coming back into the office, we’ve already noticed an uptick in residential enquiries. It’s not unexpected. Towards the end of 2025, we had a sense this might happen, particularly for clients who keep a close eye on the wider picture.

So what might people be responding to?

1. Interest rates. While they’re not back to historic lows, they’ve been easing, and more importantly they’ve stopped jumping around. With some forecasts suggesting rates could move towards 3.5% in 2026, borrowing feels more predictable. That sense of stability matters just as much as the base-rate figure.

2. Inflation is another factor. Post-Covid, pricing a project accurately became extremely difficult. At one point, material suppliers wouldn’t hold prices for more than a couple of weeks, which made proper budgeting almost impossible. With costs now far more stable, clients can plan with greater confidence, and without the risk of having to reduce scope part-way through a project, which can create delays, particularly when planning approvals need to be changed.

3. Planning backlogs have eased. While complex applications will always involve some back and forth, applications that are well prepared and supported by pre-application discussions are moving more efficiently than they were a year or two ago.

4. Relocation. It’s not something we’re seeing directly in enquiries yet, but from speaking with estate agents, they are reporting increased interest from people in the UK and further afield looking to move to the Island, which inevitably feeds into residential demand.

5. Finally, pent-up demand. Many clients paused projects as far back as Covid, due to contractor availability, budgets being blown out, or simply not wanting disruption while working from home. Those parked project are now back on people’s agendas and we are starting to see people revisit their plans as the environment feels lower risk.

So what does this mean?

Clients who think strategically are likely recognising that this is a relatively favourable moment to commence a project and get ahead of the curve. Borrowing is more predictable, costs are clearer, planning is moving better, and good contractors generally have more availability.

Whilst early conversations don’t always mean immediate projects, they usually signal confidence returning, It will be interesting to see how the rest of the year unfolds and we look forward to sharing more of our residential work this year.

author: Jasmin Eastwood, R.I.B.A. Director, McGarrigle Ayre Architects Ltd.

Merry Christmas from McGarrigle Ayre

19th December 2025

As we reach the end of another very busy and rewarding year, our team will be taking a break over Christmas to recharge and enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you to all our clients, collaborators, consultants, contractors, and everyone we’ve worked with throughout 2025. We’ve achieved a lot this year, and we’re excited for what’s coming in 2026.

McGarrigle Ayre Architects will be closed from Thursday 25th December and will reopen on Monday 5th January.

Sharing a little snapshot from our Christmas do last week – great company, lots of laughter, and a brilliant way to wrap up the year.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Castle Rushen High School

12th December 2025

We’re delighted to share that we are currently supporting the architectural design work for the replacement Castle Rushen High School, working alongside UK lead architects Sheppard Robson, engineers Stantec, and the integrated consultancy team AtkinsRéalis on this important project for the South of the Island.

As reported, the Department of Education have now released an updated programme to align with a Design & Build delivery model. With some key milestones already reached, the project has been able to progress through RIBA Stage 2. Inline with the updated timeline, planning submission is anticipated in April, with Tynwald consideration in June. If supported, construction could begin next summer.

We look forward to continuing our role as the on-Island architectural team as the project moves into its next stages.

McGarrigle Architects has rebranded as McGarrigle Ayre Architects

24th October 2025

We’re pleased to share that McGarrigle Architects has now rebranded as McGarrigle Ayre Architects.

While our name has evolved, reflecting both our heritage and our future, everything our clients value about working with us remains the same. We continue to provide professional, friendly service delivered by the same experienced team, with the same commitment to high-quality architectural design across the Isle of Man and beyond.

 Our contact details and company structure remain unchanged — this rebrand simply marks the next chapter in our practice’s growth.

 If you’d like to learn more about our work or the services we provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Planning Approval - Peel Community Centre

16th September 2025

We’re pleased to share that the Planning Committee has voted unanimously to approve Peel Town Commissioners’ plans for the redevelopment of the former tennis courts on Marine Parade.

The new Peel Community Centre will feature a café with outdoor seating designed to take full advantage of the views of Peel Castle and the celebrated sunset. Two flexible community rooms will provide space for local groups, clubs, and events, supported by new public toilets and improved landscaping. The building will be fossil-fuel free, powered by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, and fully accessible to all.

The design draws directly from Peel’s distinctive character while adopting a contemporary vernacular approach. The red sandstone wall of the bowling green is extended to form the main frontage, anchoring the building in its historic context while retaining views from the Raad Ny Foillan. Behind this, a modest single-storey structure accommodates the main facilities, with the café and outdoor seating carefully orientated to celebrate Peel’s most iconic views – the castle and the sunset.

By combining traditional materials such as red sandstone and painted render with contemporary elements including full-height glazing and a raised seam roof, the scheme achieves a balance that is both contextually sensitive and distinctly modern. It delivers flexible, functional spaces that respond to the needs of the local community.

With 92% of residents supporting redevelopment and 80% backing the proposed design, this modest but transformative project will strengthen Peel’s seafront and provide the facilities the community has long asked for.

Project Spotlight: Clay Cross Town Centre Regeneration

24th January 2025

We are pleased to be working on the Clay Cross Town Centre Regeneration project, a transformative scheme that will revitalise the heart of this historic Derbyshire town. Working in collaboration with Main Contractors, Inside Ltd. and funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund, the project is a key part of North East Derbyshire District Council’s vision to create a vibrant, sustainable town centre.

The scheme introduces a high-quality mixed-use development that enhances the public realm, improves connectivity, and delivers new commercial and community spaces. Our role ensures the successful realisation of this vision, working closely with the contractor to refine and implement the design, address site challenges, and ensure buildability while maintaining design intent.

This regeneration will breathe new life into Clay Cross, creating a welcoming and dynamic environment that reflects the town’s heritage while meeting future needs. Having worked extensively on town centre regeneration and brownfield site developments on the Isle of Man, we are excited to bring our 25 years practice experience to this significant UK-based project, helping to deliver a scheme that will positively shape the future of Clay Cross and its community.

Planning Approval: Residential Development, Brownfield site, Peel

28th October 2024

We are thrilled to announce unanimous planning approval for the redevelopment of the former Empire Garage Showroom on Marine Parade, Peel. This project revitalises a key site on Peel Promenade, delivering much-needed, high-quality housing that enhances the area’s character and community.

Designed for Hesketh Investments Ltd, the scheme introduces seven new homes across Marine Parade and Gib Lane. The Promenade features four three-bedroom, three-storey terraced homes with upper-level terraces and red sandstone façades, complementing Peel’s streetscape. Across Gib Lane, three traditionally styled homes integrate with the conservation area.

Planning Committee Member Peter Young praised the scheme as “a huge improvement,” with Chairman Rob Callister adding, “It’s a really good development… something the people of Peel have been asking for.” This project sets a precedent for high-quality, community-centred design, demonstrating how small brownfield sites on the island can be effectively developed.

Article: https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/redevelopment-of-car-showroom-site-unanimously-approved-734080

Practice Anniversary: Celebrating 25 Years of serving the Island.

10th September 2024

In September we celebrated the practice's 25th birthday. Over the past quarter-century, we’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, from residential extensions to large-scale public sector housing and commercial developments such as offices, hotels, and care homes. With a combined 170 years of experience within our team, we’re grateful to have built strong relationships on the Isle of Man and beyond. A big thank you to our clients, collaborators, and community for your continued support and we look forward to the next 25 years of working with you all!

Planning approval: Royalty Hotel, Douglas

8th June 2024

McGarrigle Architects are pleased to announce planning has been granted on our client’s project for a 64-bed hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The proposals for Royalty House, in Walpole Avenue, Douglas, see the building converted into a hotel and also include a restaurant and bar area on the ground floor and a rooftop spa. Sam Skelton, member of the planning committee, said it was "such a great development", adding it would be "great for the island, and great for Douglas".

New Director: Jasmin Eastwood R.I.B.A.

20th April 2024

We are delighted to announce that Jasmin Eastwood has joined McGarrigle Architects as a Director.

Jasmin has extensive experience in commercial practice, having previously worked in Manchester before returning to the Isle of Man. More recently, she has worked as a Project Architect on the island, leading projects such as the refurbishment of the former Nurses' Home, the planning submission for the 133-unit Westmoreland Masterplan in Douglas and the new Castle Rushen High School feasibility study. As Project Architect, Jasmin has led other notable projects, including the BREEAM-rated extension and refurbishment of Contact Theatre, which was nominated for an RIBA North West Award, and multiple refurbishment projects at City Tower, Manchester— including a co-working and events pavillion, which received a Manchester Society of Architects (MSA) unbuilt commercial award, judged by Sir Norman Foster.

She studied at the University of Liverpool before qualifying as a chartered architect under RIBA North West. Jasmin also volunteers on the board of Construction Isle of Man as part of the Government Collaboration Working Group. Having grown up on the island, she brings both local insight and extensive public and private sector experience, with a strong background in residential and commercial developments. Her expertise in delivering practical, contextual, buildable design solutions aligns perfectly with our practice’s ethos.

This marks an exciting new chapter for McGarrigle Architects as we continue to build on our reputation for delivering high-quality, contextual architectural design across the Isle of Man and beyond. As Director, Jasmin will play a key role in shaping the future of the practice—strengthening our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our island community and ensuring we continue to provide a professional, client-focused service.

Planning Approval: The Citadel Hotel, Lord Street, Douglas

23rd May 2023

This is an exciting development for a 44 Bedroom Hotel in the centre of Douglas. The project will involve the demolition of the old Salvation Army Citadel and the construction of a new build contemporary hotel with restaurant, small bar and reception foyer.

Article: https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/planning/plans-submitted-for-a-new-hotel-in-manx-capital-616519

Planning Approval: Cummal Mooar Residential Care Home & Day Care Unit, Ramsey, Isle of Man

The Scheme comprises demolition of the existing Cooil Ny Marrey complex and redevelopment of the site to provide a 45-bedroom Residential Care Home and Day Care Unit, Planning approval was granted in October 2022 and construction drawings are underway.