Peel NRE, a regeneration and clean energy specialist, has announced proposals for a science innovation and research centre (SIRC), sustainable energy park and medicinal cannabis facility on land at Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man.

Following the recent change in the legislation of cannabis production and exportation on the Isle of Man, the proposals would bring inward investment to the Island and create an opportunity for the Island to become a leader in the emerging medicinal cannabis sector.

Stephen Snowdon, Planning and Development Manager at Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, said: “The Isle of Man Government is seeking to establish an innovation cluster on the island, dedicated to the production and export of cannabis-derived products serving the medicinal and pharmaceutical markets.

“We are excited to bring our proposals forward to help to create a new export market, more jobs and attract a range of specialist scientific and research and development industries to the Island to support the local economy.”

The planning application will include detail for the first phase of the development, including two units for the cultivation facility as well as an access road, engineering works and preliminary landscaping.

The proposed site is located at the corner of Cooil Road and the A5 (New Castletown Road) and will create high quality technical jobs. The development will help the Isle of Man develop home-grown talent that will contribute to cutting-edge research into cannabinoids for pharmaceutical uses.

Peel NRE is asking members of the public to engage them on its public consultation to help shape the plans before an application goes to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture later this year.