Interest is high in a listed building in the heart of Greenock town centre.

The Tele understands there are at least two bidders keen on the former Inverclyde Council planning department offices next to the Municipal Buildings.

Grade B-listed Cathcart House, on Cathcart Square, has been vacant since the local authority moved its staff out five years ago.

Rumours of a new tenant for the prominent town centre building have been mooted following a series of improvement works over the last few weeks.

Contractors were spotted repairing and replacing windows on the five-storey property and carrying out other upgrades.

A source told the Tele there is interest from 'a couple of parties' and that bosses are hopeful of securing a tenant in the 'not too distant future'.

It's understood improvement work took place recently to ensure the office block is ready for a prospective occupant to move straight in.

The building is still being marketed by property consultants Gerald Eve.

A spokesman for the company declined to comment when asked for a response about Cathcart House.

The council rented the property until spring 2013 when staff were moved next door into the town buildings.

It can be used as offices and there are presently no applications pending for a change of use.

Marketing agency Gerald Eve say the building 'may be suitable for a range of alternative uses including gym, café, restaurant, serviced offices, residential, subject to planning'.

The company states that consideration will be given to letting the property on a 'floor-by-floor basis'.

The five-storey building, which also has a basement, was due to go under the hammer in 2016 but it sold prior to auction.

It was listed for sale with a 'reserve no higher than £155,000'.