An open day at the Ramsey Courthouse allowed members of the public a chance to look inside the historic building.

The event comes after Ramsey Commissioners bought the building from the Department of Home Affairs, and just ahead of the May 11 deadline for the public to send in proposals of how the space should be used.y

Ramsey Commissioners’ chairman Andy Cowie opened the event, which attracted about 200 people through the doors on Saturday.

Before the ribbon was cut, Mr Cowie thanked the Ramsey Town Band for bringing the crowd a cheery atmosphere.

He continued: ’Acquiring the courthouse has been a lengthy but very worthwhile process.

’The commissioners are now inviting expressions of interest to identify how best the courthouse might be re-purposed.

’We have already received a number of well-considered proposals but would always welcome more before the May 11 deadline.

’This landmark historical building, which has captured the hearts and minds of the people of Ramsey, is now "ours" and we are looking forward to seeing it resume its central community role in our town.’

Inside, the public could view a display of photographs and artwork of times past in Ramsey, as well as explore the courthouse’s holding cells and other rooms.

The commissioners have said that they are keen for the courthouse to remain a key part of the town centre and provide some benefit to the community as well as being financially sustainable.

Demonstrations were held outside the building when the government put Ramsey Courthouse on the market for £475,000.

Ramsey Commissioners agreed terms with the Department of Home Affairs to acquire the building.

In return for the transfer of the freehold title of the courthouse and grounds, which includes the site of the war memorial and gardens, the authority will grant the department a 25-year lease on the existing police office at Ramsey Town Hall at a nominal rent and to make an extra payment of £80,000.

However, the commissioners did not have a plan for the future use of the complex and have now extended the deadline for expressions of interest.

Submissions should detail the proposed future use of the building, parts of the building affected, outline a business plan, intended community benefit, indication of likely operating hours and rental offer.

The expressions of interest process can be found at ramsey.gov.im