A DEAL is close to bring back into use the former Register Office in Winchester.

The building, on Station Hill, formerly the South Western Inn, has been empty since the Register Office moved to Castle Avenue.

Cllr Liz Hutchison asked at the Council meeting about the building which is within the area of the Station Approach scheme.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, said: "Letting agents have been appointed to secure a commercial letting of the

Register Office on a ten-year lease with a 5 year break option. There is currently positive interest and negotiations are in hand with two interested parties.”