THE deputy leader of Worcester City Council insists the regeneration of a rundown building will happen - and has urged private investors to come up with "a premier" solution.

Councillor Marc Bayliss has told your Worcester News the old Trinity House building still has the potential to become a jewel in the crown for the city's future.

As we revealed last month the mothballed site has been for sale for nearly one year, but just one firm offer has been made to take it on.

In a bid to speed up a sale the Cornmarket car park next to it is no longer part of any deal, and will remain under city council ownership.

Trinity House is owned by Worcestershire County Council, which is actively marketing it as a business, leisure or shopping destination.

Coun Bayliss, who is responsible for Worcester's economic prosperity, said: "The building needs to see some action and we are keen to see it regenerated as soon as possible.

"We will have to see what proposals come forward and I know the county is actively marketing it.

"It could be residential but given the location of the building is in the retail centre of the city, it needs to be a development which links the Asda and St Martin's Gate area of Worcester with the High Street.

"It's a significant site and we'd all like to see ideas come forward."

When both Trinity House, which is off Trinity Street and the car park were for sale as a joint package two interested parties came forward with proposals for the site, but only one firm offer was lodged.

The mystery buyer's bid was rejected out of hand for being too low by both councils.

The building used to be home to the county council's history centre and archives before it moved to The Hive.

Last year there was talk about the likes of John Lewis potentially eyeing it up, but the retailer is now concentrating on the potential new out-of-town shopping mall off Newtown Road in a proposed deal with developer Land Securities.