One council said only expressions of interest were being sought at this stage at an office building it is considering closing.
Signs have recently been put up at Belmont House, in Rectory Lane, Guisborough – home to Redcar and Cleveland Council staff – stating that it is for sale or to let, with the site having ‘redevelopment potential’.
Belmont House has now been listed online, but with no indication of what it might cost to buy or rent.
About 80 employees are currently housed in the building, although its capacity is 350 people.
A listing by Teesside-based commercial property company Thomas Stevenson said it was an “excellent opportunity”, being high specification with potential for redevelopment, subject to the necessary consents.
Read more: The Oaks Secondary School in Spennymoor could see a charity shop and cafe after extension
The property is also described as having 170 parking spaces and being close to local amenities.
A council spokeswoman said: ‘Proven and reliable procedures involving reputable estate agents are in place to generate expressions of interest in selling or letting Belmont House.’
Cushman and Wakefield, which is being paid £100,000 to act as an external consultant on a government ‘leveling’ fund bid submitted by the council, is also involved in the tender process.
The board said his involvement had nothing to do with the funding offer.
Some local councilors have criticized the decision to close Belmont House, questioning the council’s commitment to Guisborough and fearing the site will be handed over for more accommodation.
The council is ending an expensive Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract used to build and maintain Belmont House by paying a ‘buyout premium’ in a bid to save money, with most staff likely to be transferred to the remaining surplus offices in Redcar.
He said he remained committed to maintaining a permanent presence in Guisborough, including providing face-to-face support to residents of the town’s library.
Read next:
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
