AGENTS behind the sale of the empty TJ Hughes building have told the Mercury negotiations with a buyer are at an ‘advanced stage’.

Bristol-based firm Sanderson Weatherall is confident it will soon be able to announce which company has taken on the High Street unit.

The large retail unit has stood abandoned in Weston town centre for nearly two years but the multi-million pound regeneration of Dolphin Square has reignited interest.

Richard Saunders, partner of Sanderson Weatherall, said: “We have several interested parties who are looking at the building.

“It is in a good secondary position and its proximity to the forthcoming Dolphin Square development with its multiplex cinema and food offers including Nando’s mean that the former department store will see a renaissance in its fortunes.

“Negotiations are at an advanced stage and we hope to make an announcement in due course.”

Primark has long been linked with the vacant unit with more than 5,000 people signing a Facebook petition asking the retail giant to come to Weston.

But Mr Saunders said he could not confirm or deny whether Primark were one of the interested parties.