MNH won't buy Castletown police station

Aims to become statutory consultee

The Trustees of the Manx Museum and National Trust (MMNT) say they will protect the heritage values of the Old Police Station in Castletown - but will NOT be buying the building.

In a statement released today, MMNT says a purchase would only be possible using charitable reserves, something it's not prepared to do.

The organisation points out it believes its statutory duties can be achieved by adopting the position of a "statutory consultee" and seeking interested party status as a neighbour of the Castletown Police Station.

The Trustees will also seek assurances that there is no intention to review the building’s "registered" status.

When expressions of interest were formally invited for the historic station early in 2017, the Trustees considered that a transfer within Government to Manx National Heritage would allow the Trust to care for the building and find a new use and purpose for it.

However, the Trustees transfer proposal was rejected by Treasury, which was looking for a significant financial payment, and it has now been placed on the open market.

MNH Director Edmund Southworth says the Baillie Scott-design station has had considerable refurbishment in recent years, is registered and structurally sound. He believes there are thus more immediate requirements for their charitable funds.

He goes on to say if the building is sold, the Trustees are keen to work with any new owners to identify appropriate uses and sympathetic treatment of property.

Chairman of MMNT Trustees, Jonathan Hall says the cost of maintaining existing assets is increasing above the rate of inflation  - and government funding has fallen in real terms for the last 7 years.