A listed registrars building could become home to the French Consulate in a project which will include a new theatre and art gallery.

Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge, just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is set to be leased to the French Embassy to be transformed into a "House of France".

The plans, which will go before councillors next week, feature a 100-seat auditorium, library, art gallery and photography centre, and a French and European language school.

It is hoped the move could be made by August to tie in with the 70th anniversaries of the French Consulate in the capital and the Edinburgh International Festival.

An "extensive programme" of theatre, music, dance and artists residencies would be planned for the venue.

If approved, the council would recoup £173,000 a year in running costs by drawing up a long-running lease, likely to last at least 100 years.

The B-listed building has been deemed surplus to requirements as the local authority looks to claw back funds and dispose of properties it no longer needs.

Council officials were inundated with requests from various organisations keen to lease Lothian Chambers.

It is understood that the Church of Scientology and casino operators were among those who approached the local authority.

The complex currently houses the registrars, a statutory wedding venue, meeting rooms and an area leased to the Electoral Commission.

Council services would be relocated elsewhere, and officials have pledged to honour all current wedding bookings at the site.

The venue will still be available for couples who wish to get married there, although alternative options in the council estate - for example the nearby City Chambers - will also be offered.

City economy convener Gavin Barrie said the French Consulate's proposal was the most appropriate.

The consulate's current home at Randolph Crescent in the west end of the city has been up for sale for some time.

He said: "If we are able to maximise the use of these buildings, relocate staff and services efficiently and make considerable savings on running costs; it makes absolute sense to do so.

"If taken forward, the French Embassy's proposals would give the Lothian Chambers a new lease of life and provide residents and visitors with fantastic opportunities to enjoy public access to the property."

French consul general Emmanuel Cocher, said: "True to the Auld Alliance as well as our European bonds, France wants to invest in Edinburgh and Scotland.

"The Lothian Chambers are set to house an enhanced programme of international and Scottish cultural activities, relevant to all audiences which bring people together.

"We are conscious of taking over a central element of the civic heritage in the capital of Scotland and, in doing so, we commit ourselves to nurturing the spirit of creation and Enlightenment and cross-cultural exchanges that have made Edinburgh the 'world art beacon' it is known as internationally."

Plans to lease council offices off the High Street are also expected to be taken forward next week.

Councillors will be asked to consider a lease arrangement with the Chris Stewart Group, which recently led a£45m redevelopment at nearby Advocate's Close.

The firm, which is currently working on a major project at St Andrew Square, plans to redevelop the property at 329 High Street into luxury serviced apartments.

Mr Barrie added: "The High Street building has served its time and it was cost a lot to do something with it.

"Why should we burden the council taxpayer with upkeep when it could be redeveloped?"

The report detailing both lease options will be considered by the economy committee on Tuesday before being referred to the finance and resources committee for a final decision.