Ramsey Courthouse should be turned into an arts or arts and heritage centre.

That’s according to former chief minister and Ramsey MHK of 32 years Allan Bell.

The Department of Home Affairs, which owns the building, has said it is ’considering its options’ for the building’s future.

An update is due to be given in the House of Keys today (Tuesday) when Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asks Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK whether a decision has been made to offer the courthouse for sale on the open market.

Mr Bell said he wanted to see ’something different, something exciting and something which will address the shortfall in the provision of arts facilities in the north’.

Instead of taking the ’easy option’ and giving the building an administrative function, he said it should be turned into a vibrant centre which would increase footfall into the town.

Before his retirement, Mr Bell held meetings with Manx National Heritage, the Arts Council and Education chiefs to explore the issue.

He said it could be used to display some MNH artefacts and as an arts gallery and work space for artists.

Ramsey Courthouse was identified as the heart of the town in a public consultation ahead of regeneration works.

It resulted in that area being the focus of the works, including transforming the courthouse grounds, unveiled in July 2013.

’Its ownership is not as important as what its future use is going to be,’ Mr Bell said.

’There needs to be recognition it’s an iconic building and one that’s loved by the people of Ramsey.’

Hundreds of people have responded to a consultation by Ramsey Commissioners on the courthouse’s future use. The local authority has said it would seek to buy the courthouse if it is sold. The consultation closes at 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday).