A NEW operator to bring Worcester's historic Pump House back to life is expected to be announced 'in the near future.'

Those interested in taking over the operations at the iconic building in Gheluvelt Park have until tomorrow (Friday, June 28) to make their bids. 

Leisure property specialists Fleurets, which is helping landlords Worcester City Council with the bidding process to secure a lease, has told the Worcester News it has received around half a dozen 'high quality' bids. 

Fleurets is looking for café proposals for the Pump House, although the two-storey building's RightMove description said the space could also suit hosting events and small functions. 

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The 19th-century building, which was a crucial part of Worcester's waterworks until it closed in 1995, has been listed on Rightmove as up for lease for the past six weeks. 

It will set somebody back £1,458 per month to lease the Pump House. 

Pump House landlord Worcester City Council has been aiming to find someone to move into the 19th-century building, which has been mothballed since Christmas.

The authority said it expects to select a new operator 'in the near future.'

Andy Tudor, divisional director at Fleurets, added: "We are really pleased with how the bidding process has gone, we have received some good quality applications. 

"All of the bids we have received so far have been forwarded to the city council, with any last minute bids set to go to them on Monday. 

"The ball is in their court then although we will assist wherever we can.

"We are both very keen to crack on, though, so the process won't be terribly long." 

The Pump House has been closed for the past nine months after it was vacated by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, which ran it for 20 years. 

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust was set up by Cecil Duckworth, the man behind Worcester Bosch, before he died in November 2020.

The Trust operated the Pump House as a centre to provide guests with information on green issues as well as running a popular café and shop. 

However, it chose not to extend its lease ahead of renewal, instead vacating it at the end of last year amid 'rising costs'.