Local businesses and entrepreneurs are now being given the opportunity to make rental and lease offers for Eighteen 71 Café.

Last month the Chronicle reported that the Winchester City Council was cutting ties with the operation after a fall in customers and drop in profits, and now people are being given the chance to turn it around.

Occupying part of the ground floor of the Guildhall, Eighteen 71 Café provides a contemporary open planned layout including a large fully fitted kitchen and outdoor seating areas.

As landlord of the site, Winchester City Council has agreed to open up the unit to external operators with the aim to have a new lease available from spring 2020.

Interested parties have until February 10 to submit offers.  Chas Bradfield, strategic director, said: “This is a unique opportunity to locate in the heart of Winchester’s historic centre. We know this is a well loved site, that many local people use and appreciate.

“As a council, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions in line with ambitious targets and maintaining a vibrant city centre for our community. We encourage interested parties to consider how their business will support these environmental and social priorities.”

Savills is handling the lease opportunity on behalf of Winchester City Council.