A last-minute attempt is being made to register Felixstowe’s iconic Spa Pavilion as an asset of community value.

Trevor Lockwood, who is representing a new community interest company called the Felixstowe Group, said he wanted to use the provisions of the 2011 Localism Act to try and acquire the theatre.

But Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC)which administers the process, says no formal application to begin the process has been lodged.

The latest development over the 800-seat theatre, which closed its doors in January 2013, has come despite the fact contracts have already been exchanged on a deal to sell the facility, which was owned by the council, to company NRG Theatres. The deal is due to be completed on May 15.

Mr Lockwood said: “The Localism Act of 2011 allows local community groups to acquire assets.

“It sees so appropriate under the circumstances. We don’t want to lose it. There’s lost of enthusiasm for it locally.”

Ray Anderson, chief executive of NRG Theatres, said it was the first he had heard of any other designs on the building.

“We have exchanged contracts with the council and we expect to complete next week,” he said.

“As far as we are concerned we’re rolling on with our plans.”

A spokesman for SCDC said: “As far as we can discern Suffolk Coastal has not received any formal application or nomination for the Spa Pavilion to be considered for inclusion on the Asset of Community Value List which we administer.”

For full details on how the right to bid scheme works, visit www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourcouncil/enablingcommunities/righttobid