SAINSBURY'S has put the under demolition Bradford & Bingley head office up for sale, pledging to find "the best buyer" for the town.

Local leaders hope the 2.1 acre site will soon be sold by those keen to develop retail and business projects rather than homes.

A sales brochure contains no guide price, but says there is an estimated 154,632 potential shoppers within 20 minutes of the town.

The supermarket company bought the site in 2010 and won planning consent in December 2011 for a large food store with 291 parking spaces. That plan was shelved during the depths of the economic recession and the permission has now expired.

Sainsbury's is including the condition that anyone wishing to open a food store over 10,000 sq ft, must negotiate a price based on planning approval for such a scheme.

Bingley chamber of trade spokesman Howard Martin said it was still hoped a commercial use would be found for the site.

"Some form of retail would be top of my list - something that gives people a reason to visit Bingley," he said.

"Realistically, the way shopping trends are going, there's no way a supermarket is going to happen, but there could be another big store with car parking.

"However if it goes for residential, those people will still need day-to-day services and shops in the town, plus will use its night venues," Mr Martin said.

David Mills, Sainsbury’s head of Property Communications, said: "Since we made the difficult decision not to pursue our plans for a food store, we’ve been working hard to find a suitable buyer to redevelop it.

"Part of that work has involved demolishing the former office block to make sure that the site is as attractive to potential operators.

"Our work to bring down the building is now coming to a close and although discussions with interested parties are ongoing, we’re confident that whichever operator takes the site will be right for the town and ensure that it plays an important role in Bingley’s future."