THREE bidders have been invited to submit detailed proposals after being shortlisted to take on Conwy's Civic Hall.

Earlier this year, councillors decided to put the Conwy Civic Hall building back on the open market using updated planning guidance, with a focus on including residential or hotel development.

A number of expressions of interest were received.

Cabinet members have now approved the shortlist of bidders that will be invited to submit detailed proposals for the building.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, cabinet member for Economic Development said: "The Civic Hall will become vacant when the new Culture Centre is complete, and the cost to keep the empty building secure will be significant, so it’s important that we find a new use for the building as soon as possible.”

The property was offered to the market, for the third time, in June 2019 with bids and outline proposals submitted by September 30.

Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit detailed proposals early in the New Year, which will be then presented to members to decide the preferred scheme.

Cllr Mark Baker, cabinet member for Heritage and Culture, said: “The capital receipt from the sale of Conwy Civic Hall has been allocated to the new Culture Centre, which will house the area library, café, arts and heritage hub, as well as the county’s records office.

"This will be the treasure house for our archives to preserve and protect our historic items.

"The Culture Centre will serve as a hub for the local community, and the gateway to the story of Conwy County.”

The successful proposal for the site will be subject to the usual planning and associated processes.

The bidders have not been named - the item at cabinet was restricted.

The Pioneer has approached Wetherspoon to see if they are one of the shortlisted bidders.