Works to Begin on Old Bank

Manx National Heritage has confirmed that the first vital phase of work on No. 1 Market Square is officially getting underway, marking a major step in breathing new life into the building.

Contractors are heading on site as MNH begins the careful transformation of the former Barclays Bank, which has been sitting empty since February 2024.

Once a Custom House, later a Market Hall, and more recently a cornerstone of Castletown’s high street, the registered building is now set for a fresh chapter as a vibrant visitor admissions hub and retail space.

This week sees the start of specialist preparatory works, including the safe removal of asbestos materials identified during earlier surveys.

MNH stresses that these will be handled by fully licensed professionals.

After that, things step up a gear with clearing out redundant services, removing non-historic internal walls, improving fire separation, installing new services and tackling essential roof and building repairs.

All of this clears the way for the big moment, a full internal refurbishment and final shop fit-out, bringing new energy and purpose back into the heart of Castletown.

MNH chief executive Connie Lovel previously described the project as an opportunity to ‘create a welcoming space to showcase the significance of the island’s heritage and to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the local community and economy’.

She said the refurbishment reflects the organisation’s commitment to preserving the island’s heritage while adapting to how today’s visitors access information.

Plans also include developing the upper floor into office space for eight to ten people in a second phase of the project.

MNH says the redevelopment is being funded independently of its Treasury grant.

If all goes to plan, No. 1 Market Square will gradually take shape through 2026.