Chair of Castletown Commissioners 'appalled' at sale of Old Police Station
The chair of Castletown Commissioners says he is 'appalled' at the decision to sell the Old Police Station in the historic capital.
The decision to sell the Baillie Scott building was agreed by Tynwald this month after plans to develop it privately stalled.
Only three MHKs voted against the sale - you can find out more HERE.
The building will now be put up for sale on the open market.
Mr Brown says Manx National Heritage has been having 'consistent battles' with Treasury for funding for its assets - including Peel Castle.
Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:
Chief Executive Connie Lovel said: "Manx National Heritage is responsible for a nationally significant portfolio of historic buildings, landscapes, archives and collections, many of which require continuous and specialist conservation. The organisation currently faces a substantial critical maintenance backlog across the estate, requiring investment to prevent further deterioration and loss of heritage value.
"The debate in Tynwald has helped to put a spotlight on the charity’s plight to secure appropriate levels of funding to protect and conserve outstanding heritage assets.
"By seeking a responsible private owner for the Old Police Station, 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."
The statement also says that MNH doesn't operate with unlimited public funding and in the last financial year, 31% of the annual grant was returned to Treasury in capital loan repayments, including interest.
It adds that the situation poses a 'considerable challenge' to available funding each year.
The charity also says that capital funding for heritage repairs are provided as repayable loans constraining its ability to address a 'substantial and ever increasing' maintenance backlog and 'conservation deficit'.
MNH also says that the former Castletown Police Station benefits from 'multiple layers' of protection which includes registered building status, its location within Castletown’s conservation area and the charity's continuing statutory role.
Treasury has been contacted for comment.
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