As the potential suitors for Batchwood Hall are dwindled down, a "preferred bidder" has revealed their plans for the space.
The historic building was put back on the market last summer after Oakman Group PLC, a restaurant group which had agreed a 35-year lease, went into administration.
St Albans City and District Council announced that six offers had been received to take on the lease, eventually resulting in five formal proposals.
In their latest newsletter, Hill End Liberal Democrats party said a preferred bidder has been found after evaluating plans.
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A snippet from the letter reads: "The decision was based on, previous experience, credibility of the offer and the ambition of the proposal, depth of resource available in their current operations, and covenant strength and financials."
The preferred bidder is alleged to be building upon previous plans to create a blend of brasserie and bar, external event space, hotel rooms, office space and community use.
"The district council is in the process of negotiating terms for the lease, and it is anticipated it will be able to say more about the incoming tenant in the coming weeks," the letter adds.
The Victorian mansion previously housed a nightclub – Club Batchwood – and was used as a vaccination hub during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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