The future of Shrewsbury’s Rowley’s House, which currently houses the museum and art gallery, could be decided next week when companies battle it out in a selection process.
The deadline for tenders for the building was the end of September and next week all parties that have put in an offer will be invited to an interview in front of a panel.
Borough council deputy chief executive Geraint Morgan confirmed there had been six bids in total.
He said: “We are interviewing four but it could be that we go back to the other two. At this stage we will interview four but it does not exclude the other two.
“It will then go to cabinet on November 13 with recommendations from officers.”
The building, which dates back to the early 1600s, was offered for sale by informal tender by chartered surveyors Towler Shaw Roberts in Shrewsbury.
Now interested parties will sit before Toby Shaw of TSR, who is in charge of the sale, senior council members, including leader Peter Nutting, and planning and conservation officers.
They will discuss their proposals for the building, which the council has decided to close as it was not considered suitable as a public venue any more.
The building was given to the people of Shrewsbury by Morris and Company in the 1930s.
As well as looking at the price, the panel will discuss the architecture proposed, the long term benefits for Rowley’s House and the town as a whole, as well as the funds it would generate towards the new heritage centre in the Music Hall.
Mr Shaw said: “We are interviewing the short listed parties next week. We are hoping to make a decision shortly after that.”
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