MNH needs "the money confirmed now" for Nautical Museum redevelopment

Body to ask treasury to fund half of £6.1 million project

The Director of Manx National Heritage is calling on government to approve funding for a​​ regeneration project as soon as possible.

Plans to redevelop the nautical museum in Castletown will involve the return of 18th Century schooner "The Peggy" to the site.

The plans, which have been on public display recently, include a new boat hall, designed to show the Peggy "in her full glory", and bringing old buildings around the site back into use.

The project is set to cost £6.1 million, and the date for completion is currently set at the end of 2025.

Connie Lovell says Manx National Heritage aims to raise at least half of that money, and is asking Treasury for the remainder.

She says if the money isn't confirmed before the start of 2024, there could be delays to the project:

International Signficance

Speaking to Manx Radio's Phil Gawne, Connie Lovell said the plans will take the international significance of the Peggy, and use it for the benefit of the Island.

According to the Manx National Heritage website, "The Peggy is one of the most precious artefacts in the Island’s National Collections, she is the oldest complete vessel on the UK National Register of Historic Vessels and has captured the imagination of all those who have seen her or heard her unique story."

Connie Lovell has described the project as a "truly transformational regeneration project": as well as restoring the Peggy, the plans include making the Nautical Museum almost fully accessible, and she says they hope it will be able to open through the whole year.

You can find out more about the Peggy's significance here.

500,000 visitors by 2032

Last year, Government set a target of welcoming 500,000 visitors per year to the Island by the year 2032.

Connie Lovell told Manx Radio she believes unless government invests in visitor attractions, tourist numbers won't rise.

She says she isn't aware of any major initiatives to achieve the target:

You can listen to Connie Lovell's full interview with Manx Radio's Phil Gawne here.