Alternative plans could see a Conwy Grade II listed building converted into a mixed use development with a residential area.

The future of the Civic Hall has remained up in the air for a number of years despite proposals from a range of community groups and pub chain Wertherspoons.

Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) cabinet turned down the latest bid for the Grade II listed building, from Wetherspoons, earlier this year continuing the uncertainty of the building.

But CCBC cabinet member for economic development, cllr Louise Emery, said talks were now in early stages to find an alternative option for the Civic Hall.

Cllr Emery, talking to the Pioneer, said: "We are at the early stages of looking at alternative uses for the Civic building with Conwy Town Council possible mixed use development which may include residential.

These things take time so the next Project Board is the end of January next year."

Conwy mayor, cllr Sam Cotton, said she has been a part of the town council for more than 10 years and was even mayor when the Civic Hall was closed.

She said CCBC had been very patient over the past five years and welcomed the fact they were still listening for ideas of what to do with the Civic Hall.

Cllr Cotton added: "The Conwy Town Council have been extremely supportive of the Civic Hall in the past. I was mayor when it closed a few years ago, we stood outside and protested and went to Bodlondeb and protested.

"A number of community groups have come forward with ideas to make it a community space or turn it back into a theatre again but like many things these days money has often proved to be a barrier.

"Conwy county have been extremely patient seeing bids and enquiries from the likes of Wetherspoons. Five years is a long time for people to come up with business plans.

"I welcome the fact they have listened to people's ideas but now we need something that can be put into affect."

She said it was great so many ideas had been put forward but realised now a financially beneficial option also needed to be considered.

Having been in meetings about the Civic Hall in the past Ms Cotton said turning the Civic Hall into a residential building had been discussed before.

Community groups are still holding out hope a theatre may return to the Civic Hall.

Chaps (Civic Hall Amateur Players Society) had called the Grade II listed building its home for more than 15 years before it was closed as a theatre.

Chaps secretary Margaret Norwood said they would be delighted to see the building returned to a proper theatre or a community space.

She added: "Chaps used it for 15 to 20 years until it was closed. We have been struggling to keep going ever since. There is no where else.

"The Civic Hall was perfect, it had all the facilities built in - there is no where else in the county like it."