Castletown Commissioners urge Tynwald to reject sale of former police station

It was one of the topics discussed at its public meeting last night

Castletown Commissioners says it’s a ‘concern’ that the sale of the former police station is going before Tynwald at the end of this month.

The local authority agreed the building should be kept under the care of Manx National Heritage and turned into a museum.

The commissioners said the old police station building is part of the town’s heritage and is urging Tynwald not to approve the motion to sell it.

Chair Tony Brown told the board that there is an ‘opportunity’ to develop the property as a museum to the history of policing on the Island.

The station was designed by Baillie Scott and built in the 19th century, but has been empty since 2017 and under the care of MNH since 2018.

He added that a potential museum could also include its link to the court which used to be inside Castle Rushen.

In a recent statement, MNH said: "The Old Police Station is an important part of the Island’s architectural story, and we are committed to ensuring that its next chapter is one of respect and renewal. 

"By seeking a responsible private owner, we aim to secure a sustainable future for the building, one that preserves its heritage while enabling it to contribute positively to community life once again."

Also on the agenda was a statement from Mr Brown about the ongoing situation regarding the Peggy yacht.

He said the local authority continues to be ‘concerned’ that the boat remains in storage in Braddan, rather than in the town.

Mr Brown told the board it’s been 11 years since the Peggy was ‘temporarily taken’ from Castletown and it’s ‘unacceptable’ that the yacht hasn’t been returned.

He added the commissioners will support MNH in their efforts to have it brought back to the town.

And the local authority has applied for planning permission for a handrail adjacent to the Union Hotel in Market Square.

The board agreed it was for the safety of the public as a number of residents have reported falls in the area during periods of high winds and general bad weather.

Castletown Commissioners will next meet on Tuesday 5 May.