Plans to construct a Viking settlement tourist attraction in Sandygate on the Isle of Man have been unanimously approved.
Chris Hall, who is behind the ambitious project, said he is “elated” about the approval, the BBC reports. “It’s very exciting times, my head’s still swimming a little bit,” he said.
Plans for the Viking village include building a collection of traditional buildings, as well as a barn and a temple. Visitors would learn about the Isle of Man’s Norse history.
The settlement would also include a longhouse, forge and battle re-enactments. Hall said he wants guests to “step back over a thousand years”.
“The longhouse and the forge for me are the main parts of this, and also the Viking temple,” he said.
Norse settlement on the Isle of Man
“There is little in the way of interactive historical attractions on the Isle of Man, and not very much to celebrate our Norse history,” Hall told the Isle of Man Today in November 2021.
Although the plans have been approved, members of the public can submit any objections up until 25 July.
“We have 21 days to sit out and wait for it to become the final decision, but the board were extremely positive and supportive of the project so we do not foresee any more hoops on which we need to jump through,” Hall said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Elsewhere, Drayton Manor Resort has opened a new ‘Vikings’ land inspired by ancient gods and legends. It includes the ‘Thor’ and ‘Loki’ thrill rides, the new ‘Walhalla’ restaurant, and Viking-themed hotel rooms.
Images: Chris Hall
