Manx National Heritage has appointed a new tenant for a former southern police station.

If it gets planning permission, Marlinspike Properties Ltd plans to use it as a central reception point for the Kizuna Japanese restaurant and some hotel properties it owns in Castletown.

The rest of the space will be used for community activities such as art displays.

A guide to the history of the police station will be incorporated and tourist information provided on site.

The building, designed by noted architect Baillie Scott, was bought by MNH in 2018 after an outcry over its potential sale on the open market.

MNH sought tenants with the requirement that proposals should maximise public access, respect the heritage of the building and reference its history, make a positive impact on the economic and social life of the town, include a full repairing lease and be for a minimum term of five years.

Applicants were required to demonstrate that their proposal is economically sustainable, as well as creating community benefit, including an opportunity for continued public access to the building.

MNH director Edmund Southworth said: ’MNH is pleased to confirm that we have been able to identify a prospective tenant for the building.

’The successful bidder’s proposal will facilitate the repair and refurbishment of the Baillie Scott police station and subject to planning consent, provide for future public access to the building, as well as providing the potential for future community use of part of the space in the building.

’The planned development in Castletown will provide a positive social and economic benefit to the town, with the additional benefit of substantial investment in essential repairs to the roof and the removal of non-historic internal additions.’