HOPES are rising that an eyesore former pub that has blighted a town centre for years could soon be sold.

An expert commercial property agent believes Blackburn's burgeoning regeneration is likely to lead to a prompt deal for Pitchers Bar, which shut in December 2010.

Marketing has been stepped up for the dilapidated building, described as one of the few vacant freehold sites in central Blackburn.

Documents describe it as an 'excellent redevelopment/refurbishment opportunity suitable for restaurant, cafe and all retail/leisure uses subject to planning'.

Stephen James, a commercial property agent with the Trevor Dawson firm, is confident the town's recent regeneration can help to turn the tide.

His view is backed by senior councillor Jamie Groves.

But town centre traders leader Tony Duckworth disagrees felling it should be knocked down.

He said: "I think realistically, with the changes in the Cathedral Quarter, the changes to the bus station, the Primark development and the Pavilions buildings, this is one of the last sections to be bought and developed, so we are very positive.

"It is a large property. It's a large amount of retail space to acquire and there are few freehold sites in the centre with such prominence."

Trevor Dawson is selling the land on behalf of two Manchester-based individuals, who bought it speculatively soon after it was closed by Pitchers owner Admiral Taverns. The two people have not been named.

The land on the 5,075-sq ft site, in Salford, is on the market for £350,000 plus VAT. It is thought it would fetch an annual rent of £25,000.

The asking price was the same at the time of a push to sell in December 2015, but Mr James said Blackburn's revitalisation was key to the site maintaining its value.

Cllr Groves, Blackburn with Darwen council's lead member regeneration, said: "This building has been a bit of an eyesore for a while but it on what has now become prime town centre site.

"With the regeneration of the area, I would hope a buyer can be found soon to do something with it.

"It would be ideal for some kind of high-end bar or pub situated just opposite the bus station.

"It could contribute to Blackburn town centre's growing night-time economy.

"It has been empty for a while and is one of the last little corners that needs something doing to it."

Mr Duckworth, President of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "Pitchers is a property in a very sorry state of disrepair.

"If nothing is going to happen to it it would be better demolished and the site greened over."

Mr James said: "We have marketed this site from 2011. Clearly the economic environment has changed dramatically and also the immediate environment has changed too. These two factors offer a positive view on this property now."

Mr James added: "We have had a steady level of enquiries over all the years. Some people have not had the finance or the opportunity to get the finance or clearly they felt it wasn't right for them, but people do need to step inside the property to understand what it's about.

"They can have a look on the outside and just pass it but people do need to step inside. Those who have done so have been all types of investors, all types of potential tenants and buyers.

"Our client is flexible but I think for anybody taking it on there is an opportunity for a long lease of 10 years-plus that would give them the security of tenure and the opportunity to get a return on their investment."

It is thought the two-storey pub, which has three bedrooms, could well become a restaurant. A covenant precludes it reopening as a pub.

Mr James said: "There is a restrictive covenant not to use the place as a public house. The main use of that is for the sale of alcohol but when we have talked to other parties we have highlighted that a restaurant use would be OK."

The building replaced the Ye Olde White Bull, which was demolished in the late 1950s. A new pub opened in 1960 and retained that name until 1979, when it was reborn as the Brewers Arms. It became Pitchers in 1998.

Mr James said local interest had been "quite high", adding: "We are not surprised that people locally have shown interest." Other interest has come from "northern investors" but it is believed there has been no interest from abroad.

He added: "I think all the pointers are that where you have seen investment go in, it has been successful. The tide is turning and people are looking at that."