Concerns over planned sale of old police station

Concerns have been raised on the Isle of Man about plans to sell a former police station to a private owner.

Designed by renowned architect Mackay Bailie Scott and built at the turn of the 20th Century, the well-known Castletown landmark was used as a police station until 2017.

Manx National Heritage, which owns the building, will later this month ask Tynwald to approve its sale. It said it would support the site's "sensitive redevelopment".

Castletown Commissioners, however, called for it to remain under the ownership of Manx National Heritage and be converted into a museum.

During a recent commissioners' meeting, Chairman Tony Brown said there was an opportunity to develop the property as a museum dedicated to the history of policing on the island.

Manx National Heritage acquired the property in 2018 after a public outcry surrounding plans to sell it on the open market.

Despite proposals in 2022 for the site to be used as a hub for hotels and restaurants under a commercial lease, the building has remained closed.

A Manx National Heritage spokesperson said the site was an "important part of the island's architectural story, and we are committed to ensuring that its next chapter is one of respect and renewal".

They added: "By seeking a responsible private owner, we aim to secure a sustainable future for the building, one that preserves its heritage while enabling it to contribute positively to community life once again."

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