Plans have been submitted by Peel NRE for a new medicinal cannabis cultivation facility on the Isle of Man.

The proposals will see the development of a science innovation and research centre (SIRC), sustainable energy park and a medicinal cannabis cultivation facility at Cooil Road in Braddan on the Isle of Man. 

Myles Kitcher, Managing Director of Peel NRE - part of Peel L&P, said: “This is a game-changing opportunity for the Isle of Man to get ahead in a new and exciting industry and we also hope that it will encourage more renewable projects in the area. 

“As expected, our proposals have attracted a lot of attention and, we are pleased to say, significant support from the community during the extensive public consultation. This includes positivity around the emerging industry on the Island, the proposed campus-style development and new educational and career opportunities.”

Proposals for the 72-acre site in between the A6 and A5 (New Castletown Road) would create around 250 jobs across a range of skills from botany and technology to security and exports. More than 178,000 sq ft of cannabis cultivation space will be created with around 102,000 sq ft for research and development. 

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Treasury, said: “The development of the Island’s medicinal cannabis sector is a key part of the Government’s ambitions to diversify the economy as well as creating a vibrant new sector to attract more investment and skills to the Isle of Man.”

The scheme would also feature a solar farm to power the site which would be the Island’s only grid-scale renewable project, contributing to the Isle of Man Government’s ambitions on climate change.