A derelict building in Caerphilly town centre could be turned into flats and office space.
In its heyday many residents remember Manchester House, located just off Van Road, as a popular fashion store before transforming into a furniture shop in its later years. However, despite its history, the two-storey unit has become a vacant "eyesore", derelict for around eight years.
And in February during the rare red weather warning for Storm Eunice, residents began to fear for the building's safety as shards of glass fell from its windows onto the pavement below.
Now, the property's owner Jatinder Khehra - who also transformed the old Wheatsheaf pub next door into an upmarket restaurant Ten Degrees - said he is in the process of selling Manchester House to new developers who will acquire it within the next two weeks.
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It is understood that the new developers plan to turn Manchester House into four two-bedroom apartments on the upper floors, while utilising the ground floor as commercial space.
It is also understood a grant is being sought by the developers from the council, however this funding depends on Welsh Government regeneration funding being available in the next financial year.
Caerphilly resident Glynis Duggan said she finds the state of Manchester House today upsetting. She said more should be done to restore it into a functioning building which fits in with its surroundings.
The 70-year-old said: "I'm a lifetime resident of the town and I have memories of what Manchester House once was and what it could be again. I remember it when I was a little girl. Inside there was an elegant staircase and in the shop on each side it was like a department store. I remember they had bonnets and hats which my mother bought from there. They also had big wooden draws which you'd draw out and there would be baby clothes and knitting wool. It was a beautiful building and very well kept. The windows were always clean and the floors were always polished. Then more recently it was a furniture shop for a while.
"It's desperately sad. As a resident, I could cry every time I drive past it. How that falling glass didn't kill someone I'll never know, it's only a matter of time. I have [also] heard anecdotally from locals that they have seen vermin.
"I'm angry that it has been allowed to fall into such disrepair."
Mr Khehra said he was unaware of a vermin problem at the property.
Ms Duggan said although the property is privately owned, she contacted the council to tell them she did not want an eyesore like that in the town. She said with the council beginning works to transform Caerphilly town centre, the building in its current state would not look good to visitors.
"We're supposed to be trying to draw visitors in as tourism for the castle, but they'll see Manchester House and what will they think?" she said.
Mr Khehra had big plans to turn Manchester House into a convenience store to benefit the local area. However, when he missed out on funding in 2021 he said he felt discouraged from developing the property - which he felt was imperative to the town. He said this led him to seek new owners to hopefully transform it. He said he hopes the new owners will be able to take "full advantage" of the planning permission granted.
In response to damaged caused to the building following Storm Eunice, he said: "That morning there was a red weather warning in place and people were advised to stay indoors as trees might fall down and things like that. A strong wind came into the building and pushed the window out. At the end of the day when there is a red weather warning you shouldn't be out and that's imperative.
"It got boarded up straight away because I know a few people in the area and they told me as soon as it happened."
Caerphilly council has been contacted for comment.
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