Hull's former McBride aerosol factory could be bought by Hull City Council.
Paint spray manufacturer McBride closed its operation in the city's Sutton Fields industrial estate in March.
The move saw more than 100 jobs being lost at the site.
Two months ago, letting agency PPH Commercial announced it had been sold to new unnamed owners.
But now Hull City Council seem set to step in and take over the 11-acre site.
In a newly published key decision notice, the council says it wants to buy the complex to expand operations at its neighbouring depot in Stockholm Road.
It said: "It is proposed that the council acquires the vacant former McBride aerosol factory complex on Sutton Fields Industrial Estate in order to allow the expansion of the council’s adjacent freehold depot occupied by Streetscene and KWL, and also to bring forward its redevelopment as serviced development plots.
"The factory complex is nearing the end of its economic life having been built in the 1970s as the A-Line Caravan factory.
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"It lies immediately adjacent to the council’s Stockholm Road depot which is shared by Streetscene and KWL and which can be made more efficient if land is available for its expansion.
"The site when cleared can also be opened up with a road and services to create for sale a range of industrial development plots to support business and employment growth in the city."
The decision notice seeks formal approval for officers to negotiate and agree terms for the acquisition.
It adds: "The McBride complex would be purchased at its open market value.
"In addition to the purchase price, funding will be needed to demolish the buildings and secure the site.
"The costs of accommodating an expansion of the Stockholm Road depot will be addressed as a separate project proposal.
"The costs of opening it up with a road and services to create a range of serviced development plots are being assessed.
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"The site servicing scheme could attract external grant aid and be undertaken by the council or alternatively in a joint venture with a development partner."
The council already own a number of industrial sites scattered across the city. Most are occupied by leased small factory units.
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