LANDOWNERS of a significant Christchurch town centre site remain tight-lipped over its future.

Discussions on the next step for the Bargates site in Christchurch took place at a meeting of Christchurch council’s resources committee last month.

The item was not heard in public, listed on the committee agenda as ‘exempt information’.

Councillors heard a progress report on the marketing of the site, which includes Christchurch Police Station and the former magistrates’ courts, according to the draft minutes, with approval sought to enable further negotiations.

The minutes said: “The report updated members with the progress on marketing the council’s land at Pit Site car park as part of the partnership project in conjunction with land owned by Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Trust.

“In addition members approval was sought on the Heads of Terms enabling further negotiations and the drawing up of disposal documents whilst the bidder seeks planning approval.”

Christchurch council and the landowners were unable to comment further on the matter or provide more detail about the next step for the site.

The item was exempt due to issues surrounding confidential matters relating to the financial or business affairs of either the council or other parties involved.

Last year, plans to transform the Christchurch police station and magistrates court site were said to be progressing.

Described as ‘under-utilised’, the agents marketing the site, Goadsby Commercial and Colliers International, said it was suitable for a variety of uses.

Plans have been discussed for years by councillors and officers to redevelop the town centre site – at one time a supermarket was suggested as an option in 2012.

Back in 2001, Christchurch Borough Council pledged £75,000 towards the revamp of the court site, with plans to stimulate trade, attract major investment and bring Bargates and the High Street shopping areas together.