Castletown’s former Baillie Scott designed police station will become a hub for a number of local bars, hotels and restaurants.

Remaining publicly accessible, one of the old offices and cells will be managed by Castletown Commissioners and made available for community use.

A ’poorly constructed’ 1980s flat roof extension is to be demolished to create a rear courtyard and appropriate backstreet connection between Parliament Square and the Quarterdeck, according to Manx National Heritage.

These works have been planned by Marlinspike Properties, a property management company, which is working with MNH, the charity responsible for the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage.

The former police station, famed for its conical roof and designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, a world renowned arts and crafts architect, was built between 1899 and 1901 and was one of his last works to be completed in the island.

It was a working station until 2017.

Built using the same stone as Castle Rushen, it features handmade ironwork from a foundry in the town and retains many of its original features, including its Victorian cells.

This forms part of the town’s regeneration, much of which has already gotten underway.

John Paul Walker, historic buildings architect for MNH, said: ’In recent years, Castletown has been completely transformed, thanks to a multitude of regeneration projects creating a vibrant and attractive town centre. A broad and diverse offering helps to attract a wide range of people to spend longer and spend more in an area, whether this be to live, work, shop or enjoy leisure time.

’The project at the old police station will see the adaptive re-use of an historic building for new sustainable purposes and is another great example of conservation led regeneration, where the historic environment stimulates further investment and dynamism in an area.’

Chairman of Castletown Commissioners Jamie Horton added: ’Now, more than ever, it is vital that we remain ambitious for our town and I am delighted that the community has had input into the repurposing of this landmark Castletown building.’

Meanwhile, other works are being done for the town’s regeneration.

The historic Peggy yacht will soon be moved back into the Nautical Museum in Castletown.

In 2015, the yacht was moved from the museum’s cellar, where it was being damaged by seawater, for safe storage in an industrial unit in Braddan.

Mr Walker said: ’Castletown is an exceptional example of conservation led regeneration, with the built historic environment acting as a positive catalyst for economic and social revival, creating increased enjoyment and local economic activity in the town. We look forward to seeing the Baillie Scott Police Station project completed, scheduled to open in Summer 2023 and working with our many stakeholders and partners to further contribute to the renewed vibrancy of the island’s historic capital, Castletown.’