Weymouth’s historic Guildhall could soon be turned into a pub.

The historic Grade II listed building, which used to house the council meetings for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, could soon become a pub under new plans.

The Guildhall appeared on estate agent site, Fleurets as a possible site for a freehold tenure pub.

Last year the borough council agreed to dispose of the building as part of money saving measures.

Councillor Peter Chapman, borough council spokesman for finance and assets said: “The borough council is currently using Fleurets to market the Guildhall. The tender deadline has passed.

“Fleurets will notify the borough council of the bids received and the tenders proposed use for the building.”

Trisha Wilson owns the Duke of Cornwall pub on St Edmunds Street next to the Guildhall. She said she would welcome a new pub at the Guildhall and said it was the ‘more the merrier’ as it would bring more people over into that corner of town.

She said: “I wouldn’t have a problem. It will bring more people down into this end of town. I’d rather see a building occupied rather than empty.”

She added: “It’s almost like a little harbour village down here, which is something we try and promote. It’s very vibrant in the evening.”

Another venue would give more choice and help to bring people in she said.

Joint Chairman of the Weymouth BID Alistair Clarke said that the BID was all about generating footfall into the town and from that point of view they would welcome a unit being used and providing jobs.

He said: “Any business that’s operating in the town is a good thing. It provides employment.”

He added: “From the BID’s point of view we’d be happy for a unit to be full and occupied and trading.

“We want a town that’s thriving and lively and a good place for people to come and visit – that’s what it’s all about.”

It follows plans to give the former general post office in St Thomas Street a new lease of life as a restaurant.

The ground floor of the prominent listed building, which is more than 100 years old, has been empty since January 2013 when the central post office branch moved to brighter new premises further along St Thomas Street. The building has been taken over by a property investment group which believes it will be an ideal site for a restaurant.