Later this week members of the public will be able to view and make their comments on the proposed designs for the next phase of development at Douglasdale Community Woodland and Douglas Village Hub.

Located in the heart of the Douglas Valley, the site proposals form part of a wider multi-million-pound vision to establish the area as a nationally recognised destination for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.

Concept designs outline a phased development programme for the woodland and village hub, aiming to create a welcoming destination for residents, visitors, schools and community groups while celebrating the area's rich heritage.

The designs include a visitor centre, adventure play area, education space, agricultural hub, viewing platform, improved walkways, parking facilities and visitor accommodation.

Alison Brown, the council’s Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, said: "As a key component of wider £14 million plans to connect communities across the Douglas Valley through networks of recreational and community hubs and paths, this project represents an exciting opportunity to celebrate the area’s rich heritage while creating a sustainable visitor destination that will benefit communities, attract visitors and support the local economy for generations to come."

Occupying the 18-hectare site of the former mining village of Douglas West, and positioned alongside the Hagshaw Energy Cluster, the proposed development will also complement other heritage and community-led initiatives across the area, helping to create a stronger visitor economy while improving opportunities for local people.

The project is managed by Douglasdale REAL Group in partnership with O'Donnell Brown, Land Use Consultants (LUC), Armour Construction Consultants, Blyth & Blyth Consulting Engineers and Carbon Futures, with funding provided through Clyde Wind Farm the council-administered Renewable Energy Fund via Galawhistle Wind Farm.

A public drop-in event will take place on Thursday 27 August at St Bride's Centre, Douglas, from 2.30pm to 8.30pm, with the exhibition available to view at the Centre thereafter. An online exhibition will also be available from Thursday for those unable to attend until Sunday 27 September.