Business
Buying Smokehouse Would Cost a Lot
Mr Wannenburgh had asked about a preservation order for the building, but it is already a registered building.
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston has effectively closed the door on the idea of the gov buying the Moore’s Smokehouse building in Peel.
He was asked by John Wannenburgh (Douglas North) whether considerations would be given to buying it to establish a working museum.
Mr Johnston said that while the closure of the business operating from the Smokehouse was ‘regrettable’, but was a decision for the private business. He also noted that the DfE is ‘not aware of any current plans by the building owners to dispose of the property’.
He added: ‘Even if the building and associated land were to be sold, having consulted with Manx National Heritage, it is clear that any potential acquisition and repurposing as a museum would require the substantial investment of public funds to acquire, adapt, interpret, staff, operate and maintain into the future.
‘Additionally, any ongoing operation as a working museum would make this liability even greater and as Manx National Heritage already tell the story of the Manx kippers and smokehouse industry at the nearby House of Manannan, detailed and careful consideration would need to be given to any business case.’
Mr Wannenburgh had asked about a preservation order for the building, but Mr Johnston said it is already a registered building.
