Council officials have held discussions with a “long list of potential developers” about the future of a derelict factory in Dumfries.
And the local authority is now set to lodge an expression of interest in the former Interfloor site at Heathhall.
Members of the economy and infrastructure committee met to discuss the former Arrol-Johnston car factory.
The site now belongs to the crown after the previous owners were dissolved and the council has drawn up a development brief for the site.
Strategic housing and regeneration team leader Jamie Little said there had been discussions with “a long list of potential developers that may have potential interest in the site”.
If the council lodged an expression of interest on the site, it would allow more time to discuss a “more deliverable regeneration opportunity”.
One sticking point could be that the factory is a listed building and Historic Environment Scotland does not want to see it demolished – despite members describing its condition as “terrible” and “absolutely disgraceful”.
Concerns were also raised by members about contamination of the site.
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Economy and environment boss Steve Rogers said that studies into contamination would help prove to HES that protection is “non-viable” with the best approach “sensitive redevelopment”.
Members agreed to lodge a non-binding expression of interest, with the council not itself taking ownership of the building or being responsible for its redevelopment.
Lochar Councillor Linda Dorward said: “It’s not fair to the town of Dumfries or the residents of Heathhall and Locharbriggs to maintain the status quo.”
Committee chairman, Councillor Ian Blake, added: “I think we’re doing as much as we possibly can to get the situation resolved.”