IT'S the landmark Southampton building that used to be a strip club.

Harbour House is a Grade II-listed edifice which occupies a prime site overlooking the water at Town Quay and boasts bags of potential.

Part of the building used to be occupied by a gentlemen's club called Playhouse, which closed in 2015.

Now the hunt is on for anyone who wants to either buy Harbour House or lease the part that contained the club.

But anyone interested in acquiring the freehold will need deep pockets. Offers in the region of £1.7m are being sought.

Built in 1925, the baroque-style building opposite the Red Funnel terminal boasts a distinctive dome, plus eye-catching clock faces and a weather vane. Other features include an original wooden spiral staircase.

It housed the harbourmaster’s office for the port of Southampton until the post was finally abolished in the late 1960s.

The building was sympathetically extended in 2003 when it was converted to a casino and more recently a nightclub.

The property is being marketed by Savills.

The brochure says the property is currently split into two separate venues, a ground floor/basement nightclub and the former gentlemen's club in the rest of the complex.

"The ground floor nightclub, known currently as CoCo Bar & Lounge, is accessed via the side elevation of the property.

"There is limited seating but this reflects the nature of the venue, which is designed for vertical drinking.

"The former gentlemen’s club, which occupies the majority of the accommodation, is accessed via the main entrance at the front of the property. Upon entry at there is an attractive spiral staircase.

"At first floor there are three principal trade rooms, all focused around the central lobby area.

"At second floor level there is a large commercial kitchen, offices and storage rooms. The basement, which is shared between both venues, provides a cellar and storage rooms.

"The property is Grade II-listed but is not situated within a conservation area.

"The property has a planning consent for use as a restaurant/bar/cabaret and adult entertainment venue. We are also of the opinion it may offer potential for alternative uses such as office or assembly leisure.

"Rental offers are invited for a new lease, term to be agreed. Alternatively, freehold offers in the order of £1,750,000 are invited."

Harbour House is one of Southampton's most iconic buildings.

Speaking in 2019 Labour city councillor Sarah Bogle said: "We need to make sure it is looked after and made useful."

Jack Wilson of tour group SEE Southampton added: "Southampton needs to think about how to attract tourists from the cruise ships.

“Harbour House would be a good place for a viewpoint across the docks.

“It is the perfect place for a more extensive maritime museum because of its location.”

Savills has an office at Charlotte Place, Southampton and can be contacted on 023 82 20 0212.