Manx National Heritage (MNH) has placed the former Police Station in Castletown on the open market, following a decision by its Trustees earlier this year to seek a new owner for the historic building.
Designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott in 1895 and completed in 1901, the building was Baillie Scott’s final commission on the Isle of Man before he moved back to England to continue his architectural practice.
Manx National Heritage remains committed to the conservation and maintenance of its estate but does not have the resources to invest in the former Police Station without compromising its core statutory responsibilities elsewhere on the Island, so is seeking to secure a responsible new owner, offering the best opportunity to safeguard the building and provide a sustainable future.
The former Police Station will remain subject to a number of heritage protections. It is a Registered Building, lies within Castletown’s Conservation Area and Manx National Heritage will retain its statutory heritage and conservation role.
The safeguards mean any future planning applications affecting the property will need to respect its architectural and historic significance, as well as its setting within Castletown.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage, said:
“The marketing of the Old Police Station reflects our responsibility to manage the charity’s assets in a way that supports the long-term sustainability of Manx National Heritage.
“While ownership may change, its historic significance will not. The statutory protections already in place, together with the planning process, will help ensure that any future proposals respect and preserve the special character of this important building.
“Following a decision approved by Tynwald, we are now taking forward the agreed process to seek a new owner who can provide a sustainable future for the property.”
Jonathan Hall, Chairman, Manx Museum and National Trust, added:
“As a charity, we have a responsibility to ensure that our resources are used effectively and sustainably. The marketing of the Old Police Station is part of that responsibility. Any funds realised through a sale will help strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of Manx National Heritage and support our ongoing work caring for the Island’s nationally significant heritage assets, collections and sites.”
Manx National Heritage receives an annual grant from the Treasury. The grant represents a contribution towards its costs rather than full cost recovery. In the last financial year, 31% of the annual grant awarded to Manx National Heritage was returned to Treasury in capital loan repayments, including interest, placing a significant constraint on the funding available to the charity each year.
Manx National Heritage remains committed to Castletown, demonstrated through its ongoing conservation work at Castle Rushen and the conservation-led regeneration of 1 Market Square. It also acknowledged the comments and support of Castletown Commissioners for the investment MNH continues to make in the town.
Manx National Heritage will continue to work with Government, private investors and other partners to identify additional funding and support the long-term protection of the Island’s heritage.
The former Police Station is being offered for sale through Dean Wood Estate Agents.
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