A PRIME site building that previously housed Taunton’s main post office is likely to have a new occupier later this year.

The County Gazette understands that six companies are in negotiations with the owners of the premises, which have been empty since the start of the year.

It is believed that interest in the large North Street site has been expressed by A1, A2 and A3 users, which covers retailers, banks and building societies and restaurants.

A spokesman for Primeco, which owns the building, declined to comment, but said an announcement is likely to be made within a month.

Many customers had criticised the uninviting facility in the landmark building before it was relocated to the back of the nearby County Stores earlier this year.

To get to the post office counters, people had to walk through the shell of a former convenience store which opened in the front of the premises in 2008 and closed the following year when the operators went into administration.

Primeco were keen to find a new tenant, but the Post Office continued to use the building rent free under the terms of its contract drawn up before the grocery store went bust.

As part of a £2million revamp in 2008, the upstairs of the building was converted into apartments.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is aware of potential interest in the old Post Office in North Street, Taunton, from a restaurant chain but has not yet received any applications for a change of use.

Council Leader, Cllr John Williams, said: “It’s very good news that there is interest in this prime site right in the centre of our county town.

“It’s a wonderful building and has been part of the townscape for more than a century, having been built in 1911.

“A good quality restaurant in the former Post Office would be a welcome addition to Taunton’s offer, providing even more choice for residents and visitors.”

Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne said: “This is a prime site in the centre of Taunton and it looks bad for the town for it to be empty.

“It would be ideal to have a permanent and prestigious new occupant that adds to the attraction of Taunton.”