A historic newspaper office that has lain empty for eight years is set to be auctioned for a six-figure sum.

The former Tulketh Street home of the Southport Visiter is set to go under the hammer with a guide price of between £375,000 and £450,000.

The Visiter was based at Tulketh Street, pictured, from 1889 until December 2014.

The building was also temporary home for Southport Library between 2010 and 2013.

Independent title Stand Up For Southport, run by former Visiter editor Andrew Brown, has described it as “a prime site in Southport town centre”.

On its website, property auction experts Pugh wrote: “A substantial detached office building extending to approximately 1,869 square metres on a site extending to approximately 0.23 hectares.

“The property comprises an original period building to the front together with a modern extension to the rear with a service yard and car park to the rear.

“The property may be suitable for alternative uses or redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”