Plans for a major redevelopment of the Nautical Museum in Castletown are on hold after a funding bid was unsuccessful.
Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston says that Manx National Heritage “remain fully committed to a major redevelopment” of the site.
Asked for an update by Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, Mr Johnston confirmed a bid by MNH for funding was unsuccessful.
He said: “MNH submitted a funding bid for the Nautical Museum’s transformational regeneration project to the Economic Strategy Fund in 2024, which incorporated a detailed business case and separately commissioned independent Economic Impact Assessment.
“The bid was unsuccessful and the Economic Strategy Board (ESB) were not able to support the total sum requested (c£4m), to enable the project to proceed. The total project cost at that time was £6.13m.”
More Cash
Mr Johnston said it was suggested that MNH could re-submit a future bid for this project when a “far greater proportion of the overall project cost had been secured from other funding sources”.
At the time of its bid, MNH said it had about £2m in private funding available.
He added: “Visitors continue to be positive about the existing visitor offer at the Nautical Museum and engage positively with the story of George Quayle, his private dock and boathouse, and the home of the Peggy.
“MNH advise of their continued belief that the transformational regeneration of the Nautical Museum will create an engaging, world-class, family-friendly and accessible attraction with a broad appeal for island residents and visitors all year round, ensuring that the ‘Peggy’ returns to Castletown for display.
“MNH continues to seek possible funding opportunities and support from both on and off island.”
Peggy
The famous boat, Peggy, is the “last intact surviving shallop and the oldest surviving schooner in the world”.
Dating from the late 18th century, she was bought for politician George Quayle and was uncovered, after more than a century in a walled-up cellar in the building in 1935.
In 2015, Peggy was removed from her Castletown home in order to protect her from “decay caused by high humidity and to protect her from damage caused by tidal flooding”.
Since then, she has undergone significant examinations and is kept in a climate controlled space, but Mr Moorhouse’s dream of seeing her return to Castletown after what will soon be more than 10 years, remains somewhat unsure.
11 Comments