THE iconic 60 King Street still faces an uncertain future.

Knutsford Town Council is once again asking the local community and business developers to come up with ideas.

The Grade II listed property was home of the former La Belle Epoque restaurant for 46 years before the council took control 2019.

In November, the assets and operations committee voted 3:2 that the best option was to sell the building.

However, at a full council meeting on Monday, members decided to invite proposals for a range of uses.

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This could include community led schemes.

The sale of the freehold is still on the table at a recommended guid price of £1.1 million.

Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton said “The town Council recognises the importance of this incredible building and will carefully consider all proposals received, seeking to find the best future for the building for Knutsford.

“It is important to remember that this is a Grade II listed building meaning the integrity of the property will always be protected adding, as it does, so significantly to the town’s unique character.”

Knutsford Guardian: The iconic building has been vacant since 2019The iconic building has been vacant since 2019 (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

The building has been vacant for almost four years.

The council had been exploring the feasibility of securing major heritage lottery funding to renovate the building in one go.

However, following further investigation, it concluded the likelihood of success in the incredibly competitive funding programmes was too low, weighed against the likely investment required to develop a competing bid.

Community led proposals should provide a detailed plan of how the building will be used.

Potential schemes must present a business case for how the building will be operated, how repairs will be funded and phased.

Details of people involved in the project, plus a timeline and action plan must also be submitted.

The council will also consider offers for the sale of the freehold of the building.

This is a rare opportunity to own a prestigious building and proposals for the purchase should include the proposed purchase price, an overview of proposed alterations and setting out he proposed use for the building and how it will support Knutsford town centre.

The council is also open to considering any other proposals including lettings.

More information on submissions is available at knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/60ks.

All proposals must be submitted by 4pm on March 10 and will be considered at a special town council meeting in the week commencing March 20.

Viewings of the building for those preparing a proposal will be held on Friday, January 27 from 10am to 4pm.

Booking is required and anyone interested should contact townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk with their preferred time.