The search to find a new occupier for Roundhay Mansion is gathering pace and about 200 firms have requested details of the possibilities of a place in the building, which stands proudly in Roundhay Park.

And Leeds City Council said it would take time to sift the applications before naming a successful bidder this summer.

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This week, all interested parties are being invited to submit their outline proposals for operating the Mansion.

The council is then expected to provide a shortlist of up to three, before making a final decision.

Local Councillor Matthew Lobley (Conservative, Roundhay Ward) said: "This is really exciting news. We've all been waiting for some positive progress on finding a new occupier for the Mansion, and now the end is in sight. This summer is set to herald the start of a new era for this special building, putting it well on track towards fully opening to the public once again."

Councillor Valerie Kendall (Conservative, Roundhay Ward) said: "This level of interest reflects the iconic nature of the building, and shows what an attractive proposition it is from a business point of view."

And Councillor Paul Wadsworth (Conservative, Roundhay Ward) said: "Companies will now have the chance to outline their vision for operating the Mansion. I'm sure that this will be a competitive short listing process, with the best candidate coming through to provide a first class service for visitors and local people."

The council recently completed external repairs to the Mansion, which was purchased by the city of Leeds from the de Lacy family and opened as a public park in 1872.

The repairs form part of an £8m Roundhay Park Restoration programme which saw a new Visitor and Education Centre open in November and work carried out to return the park to its original landscaping.

The council's Executive Board agreed in December to put the Mansion on the market and also agreed to consider making a capital contribution to ensure that high quality bids to operate the building were received.