The old Castletown police station is now on the property market, having been put up for sale by Manx National Heritage.
And the estate agent handling the sale is seeking offers “in the region of £250,000”.
Tynwald earlier this year backed MNH’s plan to put it up for sale, despite objections from Castletown Commissioners.
MNH has now confirmed the former police station is on the open market.
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.
MNH insists it 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.
Instead it says it is seeking a “responsible new owner”, which would offer the “best opportunity” to safeguard the building.
The building will remain subject to a number of heritage protections.
It is a Registered Building, lies within Castletown’s Conservation Area and Manx National Heritage says it will retain its statutory heritage and conservation role.
No Change to Historical Significance
MNH chief executive Connie Lovel 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 any future proposals respect and preserve the special character of this important building.”
Manx Museum and National Trust chair Jonathan Hall said: “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.”
Policing Museum Call
Earlier this year, Castletown Commissioners urged Tynwald not to approve putting the building up for sale, arguing the old police station building was part of the town’s heritage,
Chair Tony Brown told the board that there was an “opportunity” to develop the property as a museum to the history of policing on the island.
The former police station is being offered for sale through Dean Wood Estate Agents.