A forgotten giant whispers secrets of steam. Welcome to the Old Ballaglass Power Station a relic of the Isle of Man’s industrial past. Built in 1898 this magnificent structure wasn’t just any power station. It was crucial. The Ramsey extension of the Manx Electric Railway demanded more power. Ballaglass halfway between Laxey and Ramsey became the perfect location.
Unlike Laxey’s power station which used water turbines Old Ballaglass was purely steam-driven. Imagine the colossal boilers two enormous beasts similar to those at the Bungalow Substation. The engine and accumulator houses were substantial structures. A sixty-foot chimney stood guard to the east.
There were no roads then. All coal and supplies arrived by rail. Picture the coal being chuted directly from the railway cars down the embankment. A truly ingenious and efficient system for its time.
Winter 1934-35 marked a turning point. Generation ceased. The interior transformed. Part of the building became a substation drawing from the public supply. The Old Ballaglass Power Station was sold privately in 1968. The Manx Electric Railway leased back the substation portion.
In 1989 the railway upgraded. A new substation emerged under Ballagorry Bridge. The Old Ballaglass Power Station then passed completely into private hands. The 1990s saw further changes. The building was converted into a stunning private residence. The old coal house now houses a swimming pool. An incredible transformation.
For many years the Old Ballaglass Power Station was hidden by trees. Now visible again from passing trams it stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. A unique piece of the Isle of Man’s industrial heritage. This remarkable building is currently available for sale a chance to own a piece of history.