Sale of former Castletown Police Station 'a folly' says commissioner

Tony Brown hits out at MNH after sold signs appear

The chair of Castletown Commissioners has described the sale of a historic police station in the Island’s ancient capital as ‘absolute folly’. 

Sold signs have appeared outside the Old Castletown Police Station which was on the market with DeanWood estate agents for offers in the region of £250,000. 

The building was placed on the open market at the end of August 2026 by its owners Manx National Heritage following a decision by its trustees earlier in the year to sell the building. 

Tony Brown says the local authority is ‘totally opposed’ to the sale of the site:

In a statement to Manx Radio, Manx National Heritage said: "Following approval from Tynwald in April, Manx National Heritage placed the Old Police Station for sale on the open market. We received significant interest and a number of offers were considered on their merits to provide a sustainable and viable future for the building. A preferred bidder has been selected, but given the commercially sensitive nature, details need to remain confidential at this time.

"The former Police Station will remain subject to a number of heritage protections. It is a Registered Building, lies within Castletown’s Conservation Area and Manx National Heritage will retain its statutory heritage and conservation role.

“We recognise the building’s historic importance to Castletown and understand the strength of local interest in its future. Our priority is to see the building have a sustainable future while recognising and respecting its heritage significance.”

The organisation previously said finding a private buyer for the building would help "secure a sustainable future for the building."