ONE of Weymouth’s oldest buildings is on the market.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is open to offers for the Old Town Hall in High West Street after a previous offer to sell the building fell through.

The Grade II listed building in High West Street dates back to the 17th century and has been unused since 2005, when the local Girl Guides stopped using it as their base.

The council initially looked at leasing out the hall for a peppercorn rent, with the Citizens Advice Bureau at one stage considering a move to the premises, but estimated restoration costs of £140,000 proved prohibitive and councillors agreed to put the freehold up for sale earlier this year.

The historic status of the building means there will be limitations on what alterations can be made to the structure of the property.

The council’s estates surveyor Bill Wilberforce said: “It’s an old building that has been empty for a little while and has fallen into disrepair.

“It needs someone who is sympathetic to its intrinsic structure and preserves it for the public.”

Early signs since the building went on the open market indicate there is plenty of interest in taking on the premises.

The council’s spokesman for finance and assets, Councillor Peter Chapman, said: “The Old Town Hall has been on the market for a few days. It was under offer but this has fallen through, so we are now re-advertising it.

“We have had some interest in the building this week, and are considering several offers. Anyone in a position to make an offer is welcome to get in touch if they have a commercial or community use in mind for the building.”

Anyone interested in the building is asked to contact Mr Wilberforce on 01305 838019 or 01305 838378 for more details.