As we were going to press yesterday (Thursday), news broke that a local estate agent has been asked to market Tenbys De Valence Pavilion for its future use.

But whether it will be sold or leased by the town council depends on the expressions of interest the council receives.

In the latest twist to the ongoing saga of the now-closed Upper Frog Street building, tenders of interest are being invited to take over the pavilion either on a leasehold or freehold basis.

Applicants are invited to submit outlines of their propsals to run the facility, which includes offices, a cafe, the main dance/function hall and the rear meeting room and bar, currently used as the Mayors Parlour.

The submissions will then be considered by Tenby Town Council and a shortlist of applicants asked to submit further detailed plans.

The De Valence is a well-located facility within the town walls and could be put to a number of uses, either to continue as an events venue, attraction such as museum or exhibition hall, or other ideas to be put forward as part of the initial submission, say the agents, Birt and Co.

The De Valence closed its doors last month when the town council found it no longer viable to run as a business after it reverted back to their care when the De Valence Trust went into voluntary liquidation.

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, told the Observer: At our council meeting on July 20, the clerk (in private session) referred to a response to a letter from Birt and Co regarding enquiries into marketing the De Valence Pavilion.

The council discussed the letter and resolved to instruct Birt and Co to progress with marketing the De Valence Pavilion.

Clr. Mrs. Evans added: At this stage, the council is exploring all options and opportunities for the future of the De Valence and is seeking expressions of interest in the use of the building. This does not mean that any decision has been made to sell or redevelop the building.

The council is firmly of the view that the De Valence is an important community asset and the public will be consulted on any future proposals.

Initial submissions should be made in writing and delivered to Birt and Co offices by 12 noon on Friday, September 24.