CIVIC chiefs are considering the future of an empty shop that was once a barn.

Reef Dreams traded out of the former outbuilding of Abbotts Barton Farmhouse off Chaundler Road.

But the tropical fish business relocated earlier this year. The historical building had previously been the Barn Store grocery shop and newsagents until ten years ago.

The barn came into the city council's ownership when the authority purchased Abbotts Barton Farm in 1966.

Reef Dreams operated on the premises from November 2011 but has now transferred to Totton. It has been contacted at its new base but has not responded.

The city council said in a statement: “The previous tenant has very recently vacated and we are reviewing options for the property, but we have already received interest from a potential occupier. We’re unable to share any further details at this time.”