The Orient Building on Station Road will be auctioned next Thursday, raising worries about its fate.

But the prospects of it being bulldozed have diminished with Asda saying it will not be among the bidders.

And auctioneer Pugh and Co have said most other bidders are likely to want to retain the building.

It had been expected Asda would be involved in the auction at Old Trafford football ground in Manchester but a spokesman said: "We will not be bidding on that site."

At one time it was understood that Asda were interested in the building close to their store because they wanted to demolish it to open a petrol station. It was said a deal had stalled because the asking price was too much.

Matthew Mears of Pugh and Co said: "We have had a number of interested parties looking at it for a variety of uses.

"Most people seem to want to retain the property.

"Offices, education, health care - it lends itself to a wide variety of uses."

With Fleetwood earmarked for a new health centre, a private company might see the Orient Building as ideal.

But Mr Mears said he could not comment on individual bidders.

The improving prospects for the building pleased chairman of Fleetwood Civic Society, Margaret Daniels.

She said: "If this is true it's very good news. It has to be welcomed."
A survey of the town centre conservation area said the neo-classical building should be listed.

But Wyre Council's consultations over the survey are not due to finish until the day before the auction.

The auctioneers have set a guide price of between £150,000 and £200,000.
A recent consultants' report for Wyre Council recommended getting listed status for the early 20th century neo-classical building.

It can take up to three months for English Heritage to assess a building for listed status although that may be shortened in urgent cases. After that it would have to go to the Department for Culture Media and Sport.