MORE prime council-owned land has been put up for sale after local authority bosses decided now is the time to sell up.

The former Ravenscraig Primary site, off Auchmead Road, is on the market and prospective buyers have until later this month to make an offer.

The former school site in Larkfield has been earmarked for residential use in the area’s local plan — and it could be an attractive proposition for a property developer.

Pupils and staff moved out a few years ago when the newly built Aileymill Primary opened its doors and the land has lain barren since being cleared.

It’s understood that a number of parties have already expressed ‘serious’ interest in the site.

Ravenscraig is one of many publicly-owned plots up for grabs as the local authority tries to cash in on a surge in the property market.

The former Bogston petrol station, on the border between Greenock and Port Glasgow, and the rundown Ravenscraig Shopping Centre complex are also on the market.

A council spokesman said: “With the market improving we feel it is in the best interest of council taxpayers to market our available sites.

“Apart from the potential increased availability of housing there will also be benefits to the local economy and for local employment.” Bids for all three sites must be in before the 18 July deadline. The Tele revealed a fortnight ago how the shopping arcade had attracted interest, with council bosses in advanced talks with a potential purchaser. Meanwhile a deal for the Bogston filling station fell through, triggering a move to put the land back up for sale.

Talks about the former Esso station — last in use in 2008 — were at an advanced stage with a party from outwith Inverclyde at the start of the year.

A deal was close to being completed but it collapsed.