A HISTORIC former hospital site in the north of Glasgow has attracted "phenomenal" interest from developers.

Ruchill Hospital, built during Victorian times and closed in 1999, stands on almost 40 acres of land.

The site, which has some of the most impressive Victorian listed buildings in the city, is valued at £3million to £5m, but the total cost of developing it could be up to £80m.

Scottish Enterprise Glasgow put the site on the market in November and by the closing date at the end of January had received 12 offers from throughout the UK.

The agency's infrastructure director Colum Halforty said: "The interest we've had in this site has been phenomenal.

"There are a number of innovative development solutions on the table at the moment that we will now consider carefully."

Permission has been granted for 400 houses on the site - one of the largest areas of urban regeneration in Scotland in recent years and described as a "housebuilder's dream".

Mr Halforty said: "This is a critically important site in the ongoing redevelopment of the north of the city, so whatever plan we eventually decide on must have integration with the existing community as its foundation."

Local people reacted angrily last year when Glasgow City Council decided to sell the land entirely for private housing.

Community groups accused the council of ignoring the "tremendous need" for social rented housing in the area.

Ruchill Hospital opened in 1890 as an infectious disease hospital and is made up of 13 listed and one non-listed building. Its landmark water tower is grade A listed.

Roddy Pearson of Colliers CRE, the commercial property agents handling the disposal of the site, said: "Ruchill is an essential element of the wider regeneration of this part of Glasgow and we will ensure the selected preferred developer or consortium is able to deliver."

A decision will be made within the next three months.