THE former Post Office is on the market, listed as an 'exciting development opportunity'.

24-36 Castle Street, formerly the Post Office, has been empty since it closed in March 2016. The land has now been listed for sale by estate agents Kings Estates, priced at £2.5 million.

After the Castle Street Post Office branch closed, it relocated to Winchester Street, but that branch also closed in June 2018.

The current Post Office in the city centre is located on High Street.

The Castle Street site currently comprises of 5 adjoining vacant freehold properties, one of which is Grade II Listed and set within approximately 0.325 of an acre. The main buildings are laid out over four floors, a basement and three upper floors.

The estate agents has said that the land is an 'exciting development opportunity'.

A planning application has been submitted for conversion and new build scheme of  residential apartments and a shop, following a long history of applications to convert the use of the site.

READ MORE: City council to hear plans for Cathedral Hotel and former post office

In June 2008, planning permission, listed building consent and conservation area consent was granted for the change of use of 24 and 26 Castle Street and number 36 Castle Street and the replacement with the construction of a new build on the site to provide a 56-bed boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant.

The former Post Office is on the market for £2.5 millionThe former Post Office is on the market for £2.5 million (Image: Newsquest) In June 2009, planning permission and listed building consent was granted for the Change of Use (24 And 26 Castle Street and 1-11 Chipper Lane) and part demolition and new build (28-36 Castle Street - Front Façade to 36 Castle Street to be retained) to provide a 50-bed hotel, café/bar, restaurant and a new post office.

These plans have now lapsed.

In 2023, plans were submitted to turn the site into 24 flats and a commercial unit.  Planning permission must be decided by Wiltshire Council by December 31, 2024 - and King Estates has stated 'planning permission is expected imminently'.

The site previously went on the market in 2020 by Savills and joint agent Christie and Co, for an excess of £2 million.

Click here to view the plans, and here to see the site on the market.