Ramsey Town Commissioners have agreed terms with the Department of Home Affairs to acquire Ramsey Courthouse.
The agreement comes after detailed discussions between the two parties and formal consent received from Treasury for the purchase to proceed.
In return for the transfer of the freehold title of the Ramsey Courthouse and grounds, including the site of the war memorial and gardens, Ramsey Town Commissioners have agreed to grant the department a 25-year lease on the existing police office at Ramsey Town Hall at a nominal rent and to make an additional payment of ?80,000.
The acquisition remains subject to statutory consent under the Local Government Act 1985, the process for which will now commence with the issuing of a public notice confirming the proposal. It is hoped that the final transfer of the building will be complete by the end of August.
Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Andy Cowie said: ‘We are delighted to have finally agreed terms to secure the Courthouse for the town, a landmark building recognised as being at the heart of Ramsey. The strength of feeling that was demonstrated by the community when it was placed on the open market for sale was overwhelming, testimony to the deep-seated affection in which the Courthouse is held. The results of our survey on the future of the Courthouse affirmed the commissioners’ belief that the people of our town will very much support this acquisition. We are confident the terms of the purchase we have negotiated with the DHA will not have a major impact on the town’s long-term financial position.’
Looking to the future Mr Cowie said: ‘The Department of Home Affairs has generously indicated that we may have access to the building while the legal process is under way. With this in mind we look forward to welcoming the community to view the property. We also intend to arrange for some short-term exhibitions and events, in tandem with inviting expressions of interest for the longer-term use of this much-loved building.’
Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said: ‘Discussions between the department and Ramsey Town Commissioners have been very amicable and productive throughout this process. I am delighted that we have worked together to achieve such a positive outcome for all parties. The northern neighbourhood policing team will remain at the very heart of the community it serves, while the people of Ramsey will continue to enjoy a building that is clearly very close to their hearts.’
