Port Glasgow town centre building will go under the hammer next month

The former job centre on Scarlow Street will be auctioned off on May 1.

It has been empty since the Department for Work and Pensions closed the doors on October 30, 2017.

The 21,000 square-foot building, split over two floors, had housed the Port jobcentre but a decision was made to move services and all 28 staff to the Greenock branch to cut costs.

It had been scheduled to close in March 2018 but government officials made the decision to pull down the shutters five months early.

Now the property is being sold off.

It is being marketed by SVA Property Auctions and Shepherd Commercial.

The asking price has not been disclosed.

In a statement, SVA Property Auctions said: "The property was most recently occupied by the work and pensions department and operated as a job centre. "The building has been well maintained and appears to be in good condition."

The sales agents say the building could remain as an office or even be used for a gym or community space.

They said: "There are large open plan spaces on both the ground and first floors with some compartmental offices which were utilised as meeting, training and interview rooms. "The property benefits from gas central heating, air-conditioning, fluorescent lighting and carpeting. "The building is secured by an alarm system and externally there is a 25-space car park to the rear. "The property would be suitable for continued office use or may be suitable for other uses such as community or gym/fitness. "Given the current layout there would be the possibility of flexible sub-division. "There may be an opportunity for redevelopment of the site, all subject to planning."

The auction will take place on May 1 at 2pm in Trades Hall, Glasgow.