Tynwald has given its approval for the sale of the former Police Station in Castletown.
It had been in the ownership of Manx National Heritage.
The motion, moved by Sarah Maltby on behalf of the charity’s trustees, passed with just three MHKs opposing it and unanimous support in LegCo.
Ms Maltby said the registered building is “no longer required” by Manx National Heritage, which purchased it in 2019 for £225,000, using charitable reserves and the sale of a non-core property.
She said retention was “no longer in the charity’s interest”, adding: “Disposal does not mean the removal of heritage protection.”
Stewardship
Jason Moorhouse criticised the charity’s stewardship, stating: “Despite owning the building for eight years and deciding the building should be used for commercial purposes, no attempt was made to rent out the property.”
Gary Clueit MLC supported the sale but warned: “We cannot simply privatise the financial burden of our national heritage while socialising the aesthetic benefits.”
Juan Watterson said he would not support the motion due to a “lack of faith in the protections”, adding he had seen “too many registered buildings left to rack and ruin”.
Tim Glover called the situation “a clarion call for us to be looking at funding our heritage and preservation”.
The building will now be placed on the open market.