PLYMOUTH Argyle owner James Brent is no longer the front-runner to take over the Civic Centre – after the council pulled the plug on the deal, The Herald can reveal.

And council bosses have admitted it could have to put aside £30million of public money to refurbish the listed building itself if a new developer cannot be found.

Argyle and Akkeron Group boss Mr Brent announced ambitious plans to turn Plymouth City Council’s headquarters into a £50million hotel with 160-bedrooms back in August 2013 after being made preferred bidder.

But the council has now publicly announced that the deal has fallen through, saying its criteria was not met in time.

Mr Brent could still take on the Armada Way building but he would have to reapply along with competing developers.

Councillor Mark Lowry, the city’s finance chief, admitted that because the Civic Centre is Grade II listed, the council would be obliged to stump up £30million to refurbish it if a developer is not secured.

Council staff, currently being vacated and moved elsewhere, may even have to move back in.

The building cannot be demolished and currently costs the council £1.6million a year to run.

Cllr Lowry looked to reassure council tax payers, however.

He said he was in discussions with a number of interested parties about turning the late-1950s tower into a hotel, restaurants, office space or even housing.

“We were not able to conclude the deal so we had to terminate that agreement,” said Cllr Lowry, referring to Mr Brent’s four-star hotel plans.

“I’m confident we will find a way of restoring the Civic Centre to use for the city.

“The views from up there are absolutely stunning and it will make a fabulous hotel or office accommodation.”

Council staff are currently vacating the property, with the site set to be empty by November.

A survey will then be carried out to asses the structural damage and the amount of asbestos contained in the walls. The survey will assist in setting a firm estimate for refurbishment costs.

Cllr Lowry said he hoped the surveying to be completed by Spring next year, and to have firm development proposals on the table by then also.

“It is a listed building and in the event we couldn’t find someone, we would have to do it up ourselves and move back in.

“But I’m confident that won’t happen,” said the finance cabinet member.

“Our plan would be to get a developer to take up the costs of the refurbishment.

“There has been a significant amount of progress and I’m confident we will get the right solution for the city.

“Plymouth is definitely on the up. You can see that with the record number of oversees visitors we have had and all the events we hosted over the summer.”

The council’s ‘one-stop shop’, situated in the former Lawson’s building in New George Street, is set to open in November, meaning council services will continue to be accessible in the city centre even after the Civic Centre closes.

Mr Brent said he was aware of the council’s decision but did not wish to comment further.