ONE from a shortlist of three unnamed companies will soon be awarded the contract to save one of Maidstone's most historic buildings.

The firms have submitted bids to convert The Master's House, in College Road, for residential or office use.

Maidstone Borough Council officers are at the point of recommending to the cabinet which of the three should save the 14th century Grade II listed building.

Council staff are reluctant to reveal the names of the firms because negotiations are still at a sensitive stage but their identity is likely to emerge when cabinet considers their bids, probably next month.

The council believes a minimum of at least £100,000 will be needed to restore the Master's House. The bids under consideration propose spending at least £500,000 on the building.

The bidders, selected from an initial five, have boosted hopes for The Master's House, the future of which lay in doubt after Kent Music School moved to Hastings Road, Maidstone, about two years ago.

The latest plans follow the collapse of the council's negotiations with the Landmark Trust, a company which converts historic buildings and lets them out as up-market holiday homes. The trust decided that the property is too large for its market.

Mark Collins, property services assistant for Maidstone council, said: "We want to see the best company bring the building back to life."