STOWMARKET'S historic corn exchange could be sold to new owners as early as next week after it emerged that there have been several offers to buy the building.

STOWMARKET'S historic corn exchange could be sold to new owners as early as next week after it emerged that there have been several offers to buy the building.

The town council will meet on Wednesday to discuss the highest offer on the table and if they give the bidder the thumbs-up the sale could go through almost immediately.

It is expected the building, in Church Walk, could fetch around £250,000 which will go into the council's coffers and fund a potential spending spree.

Top of the list are improvements at the Regal Theatre and the town's community centre.

Emily Metcalfe, deputy clerk at Stowmarket town council, said: “Our agents have received several bids for the building but the council is only being asked to consider one offer.

“If the council agrees and accepts the offer then the sale will go ahead.”

The Corn Exchange has been on the market since November last year.

The decision to sell the building comes 13 years after it was bought by the council.

It had been intended to be used for a “community purpose” but a lot of work was needed and it remained unused for years after setbacks to possible projects.

Currently leased by the Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society, it is used for the preparation and storage of props and scenery.

Funds raised from the sale will allow the council to pursue other community projects and improve existing facilities.

The Regal Theatre has had replacement seats carpets and curtains thanks to a grant of several thousand pounds and Stowmarket councillors will decide how to spend any left over money coming from a sale.

Do you believe the council is right to sell the Corn Exchange? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.