His recommendation was not universally popular in Tynwald, as some did not want to spend the money, but nevertheless Manx architect James Cowle was employed to design a new prison, which was subsequently constructed at Victoria Road in Douglas.
The cells are light and airy, and well ventilated and compare quite favourably with those in the best English prisons — boarded floors, clear glass in the windows and external gas boxes.
[1] In spite of the expansion, criticism mounted over overcrowding and human rights issues until in July 2005, Tynwald backed the construction of a new, larger secure facility at Jurby that would be better outfitted to rehabilitate prisoners.
A month later, the Home affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK signed the paperwork which revoked the Custody Act 1995, which designated the building as a gaol, bringing Victoria Roads' active use as a prison to a close after period of 117 years.
[4] Public interest in the old prison led to calls to open up the Victoria Road site as a permanent visitor attraction over the summer months.
[8] However, in January 2011 it emerged that the Isle of Man Government was considering listing the former gaol on a register of buildings of "special architectural or historic interest", meaning that it would be saved from demolition.