Small but very significant steps are being made towards the reopening of the Royal British Hall at Janet’s Corner in Castletown.

The hall, once a thriving hub of the community, has been closed for 11 years.

Its future looked uncertain several years ago, but resident and former chief minister Tony Brown stepped in and highlighted its importance not only in the community but also as a relic of World War Two.

It was built in 1944 as a gymnasium/cinema for use by naval personnel living in the surrounding Nissen huts, then known as HMS Urley.

After the Second World War ended, the Isle of Man government bought the entire site off the Admiralty and the huts were replaced with homes, except for the hall.

In 1960, the Castletown branch of the Royal British Legion bought the hall from the government, and responsibility for the building passed to trustees (who are elected branch officials).

It is the only surviving HMS Urley structure with its original entrance, dance floor, stage and projector room.

As such, Mr Brown made representations to government and the building was registered in 2007 and a steering group was established by the branch.

The complication of its ownership structure has created delays, but it is now decided that a trust established to run events and oversee upkeep of the hall will lease the building off the RBL branch trust. A club will be formed and people pay to join.

It has already been established the hall is structurally sound. The first priority is to build a new toilet block with disabled access. This should cost considerably less than £100,000 and funds for this are being sought.

Trustees intend to apply to the Manx Lottery and from the UK National Lottery trusts .

After this is completed, the hall can be used as a venue for events to raise the further £500,000 needed for refurbishment work including creation of a coffee shop and bar.

Plans have already been drawn up free of charge by local architect Hugh Logan.

At some point there will be a presentation to the public.

Tony said: ’I lived at Janet’s Corner, the hall was always very busy with bingo, dancing, jumble sales, but these were the days before television, so tastes have changed.

’But it is one of the best dance venues in the island, it has a wooden floor with wood from Canada, and the acoustics are fantastic.

’It can take 150 to 200 people. It’s hard to find a venue for that many in the south, the town’s Civic Centre takes 90.

’I want to assure people something is happening, even though there’s nothing on the surface.

’We are working on a new lease. I hope many in the community will get behind us and help raise funds. We have got an end goal but have got to go step by step, phase it.’

â?¢ To get in touch with Tony about the hall, phone 824393.