The Rushen Abbey Hotel could be on course to reopen - if Manx National Heritage can find a private sector partner.

Speaker of the House of Keys, Tony Brown, has revealed almost a quarter of a million pounds needs to be spent on the building, but he is hopeful the money can be found.

In Tynwald this week, Mr Brown gave a written answer to a question from South Douglas MHK Adrian Duggan.

Mr Brown says the Treasury will consider a proposal from Manx National Heritage to fund the works from March 2007.

If the work goes ahead, a partner would then need to be found to reopen and run the hotel.

Although a number of proposals have been received over the last four years, Mr Brown says so far nobody has come forward with a viable plan.