The team behind Ramsey Courthouse being transformed into a multifunctional community hub is to begin its fundraising mission after gaining charity status.

An initial target of £400,000 - that’s £50 for every person who lives in the town - is needed to support the plans of The Heart of Ramsey Limited (THOR), which has a 12-month period of exclusivity for trustees to finalise plans and secure funding for proposed alterations to the building.

The idea is to provide ’the most amazing venue in the Isle of Man’, trustee Georgie Revill said.

It will be used for a range of community projects and activities.

Yesterday (Thursday) it was announced that THOR was officially registered as a not-for-profit Manx charity.

THOR is now looking for a team manager, volunteers and fundraising contributions to help create a space for the public and put on community events.

Team members include: chairman Tim Baker MHK for Ayre and Michael; secretary and director of marketing Emma Watson; architectural design consultant Chris Penketh; trustee and director of fundraising Mrs Revill; trustee Nigel Watson; arts and events consultant Meghan Kennish and design and marketing consultant Kyle Withington

Mrs Revill, of Cook Shack in Bride, said they were ’delighted with the response’ at their open weekend in June in which the public were asked for suggestions as to how they would like the registered building to be used.

’It was obvious that the public wanted a space to "work and sell", "meet and eat", "perform and play" and "create and celebrate",’ she said.

’The spaces within the courthouse will be multifunctional and varied, providing a catalyst for growth of community projects, organisations, companies and individuals.

’It’s not just the elderly and the lonely who could benefit from a community hub, with social media so prevalent, we need to get the younger generation involved otherwise they will become reclusive and that is when mental health issues occur.

’Social media does not help face to face connection. We all know people are stronger together and we want to do something which is stimulating and rewarding for volunteers and attendees.’

In September this year, Ramsey Commissioners - which bought the courthouse in 2017 - got the go-ahead from planners to its application (19/00811/GB).

Changes include several altercations to the building, such as the removal of the main hall’s ceiling along with the suspended ceiling in the room above to open up the hall to the full height of the roof.

Mrs Revill added that THOR received budget costings from a surveyor and has met with an interior designer. They are also looking at a potential extension at the rear of the building for a possible canopied area.

A £110 donation by Gelatory in Ramsey has already been made towards the community hub.

When it comes to appointing a team manager, Mrs Revill said: ’It is crucial that we find the right individual who can liaise with all the different factions, groups, builders and the Manx public - a rewarding job but not a light one!’