Manx National Heritage has confirmed it has selected a preferred bidder for the Old Police Station in Castletown, but has declined to reveal further details because of commercial sensitivities.
The building, which was placed on the open market at the end of August, is owned by Manx National Heritage. Its trustees decided earlier this year to sell the site, with the move approved by Tynwald in April.
A ‘sold’ sign was seen at the property this week, prompting renewed interest in the future of the historic building.
In a statement, 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 organisation added that the former police station would remain subject to heritage protections.
It said: ‘It is a Registered Building, lies within Castletown’s Conservation Area and Manx National Heritage will retain its statutory heritage and conservation role.’
The proposed sale has faced criticism, including from Castletown’s local authority.
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Local authority leader Tony Brown has said the authority is ‘totally opposed’ to the sale of the site, raising concerns about the decision to sell the prominent building.
The Old Police Station is a historic property in the town, and its future has been a matter of local interest since Manx National Heritage announced plans to dispose of it.
Manx National Heritage has not disclosed when further details may be made public.