The deadline for potential buyers to make bids for the former Bethel Street fire station has been extended until the new year.

Bids for the station, which first served Norwich in the 1930s, were due in at the beginning of the month, but more time has been given after requests were made by potential buyers.

Melvyn Stone, of NPS Property Consultants Ltd, which is handling the sale for Norfolk County Council, said: 'The closing date for the receipt of offers for the purchase of the former fire station, Bethel Street was Thursday, December 1.

'A number of offers were received, some requested a time extension to complete their proposals. In the interests of achieving the best outcome our client has agreed to extend the deadline for the receipt of offers, including any new interest, to January 31, 2012.'

The city centre fire station was closed in the summer to make way for the state-of-the-art Carrow station in Trowse.

The building was then put up for sale by the council and is expected to net at least �650,000.

The grade two listed building comes with planning permission for 14 flats and retail or office use on the ground and first floors. The flats would range from three bedroom maisonettes to one bedroom flats.

Mr Stone said: 'Our research shows that there will soon be a shortage of quality new residential conversions in the city centre and with the residential property market holding up well we feel confident of the successful future for this building.'

•What would you like to see happen to the old fire station? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE or email www.eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk