'Positive' talks over the future sale of Beatties building
"Positive discussions" have been held with parties interested in buying Beatties after the iconic building was put back on the market following the collapse of a takeover by the University of Wolverhampton.
Brokers are keen to complete a deal over the next few weeks and find new owners for the Victoria Street site.
Property agent Allsop, which is marketing the famous city centre department store, said no fresh offers had been lodged yet but that things were "moving in the right direction".
Several parties are interested in buying Beatties after university leaders pulled out of the deal last week.
They are all private companies or individuals and some are thought to be residential developers.
The building is available for around £3 million after being taken into receivership.
Wolverhampton Council has not renewed its interest.
Authority leaders were previously weighing up bidding for the building before deciding to support the university's proposals instead.
They will be monitoring developments closely and are keen to ensure the historic site, such a prominent feature of the city centre, is not left empty for a prolonged period.
An Allsop spokesman said: "We have gone back to parties who previously bid on it and there have been some positive early discussions."
Negotiations are expected to ramp up over the coming weeks and it is hoped a buyer can be found before Christmas.
It remains to be seen how long Beatties will remain empty once House of Fraser departs in the new year for the Mander Centre to replace the outgoing Debenhams.
University officials walked away from the deal after detailed inspections of the Victorian building found renovation costs would be too high.
It meant they were forced to scrap their vision to convert part of the site to be used for lectures while retaining an element of retail.
The collapse of the deal was met with disappointment from senior figures in Wolverhampton amid uncertainty for the future of the landmark building.
City council leader Ian Brookfield revealed last week the authority was unlikely to submit a bid following the concerns raised by the university.
