The multi-million pound redevelopment of the Highbridge Hotel is on track, bosses behind the project have reassured residents this week despite a lack of visible progress in recent weeks.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Martin Hodgson, Chief Executive of YMCA Somerset, said the project is currently focused on how to rebuild the new front façade of the building.
It comes after several residents living close to the derelict hotel site have contacted Burnham-On-Sea.com regarding the slow progress.
Mr Hodgson said: “We have over this last month been working up a plan to address how we manage the façade. This has involved a series of meetings with Historic England, SDC and with our design team and engineers.”
“Throughout the project we have been concerned as to the condition, foundations and make up of the façade which appears to have been built in three sections over the years, but whilst the unsafe structure was there we were unable to access to dig trial pits to identify upon what we would be building.”
“During this phase we have salvaged bricks from the original structure which are intended for use in the rebuilt façade, these being of considerable age also throws up considerations.”
“Alongside this, I have been able to talk with and arrange to meet some of the interested parties who would like to use the building as a platform for their activities, this has been really exciting and we would hope to be in a position to be able to hit the ground running once the building is constructed.”
“Now we have the information required we are moving quickly to ensure that we are able to get our contractor onto site and to commence the works, however I am quick to remind people that whilst time is moving on and it is frustrating to see a lack of movement on site at this time, this building will be, once complete, ready to face another 100 years plus and serve the people of Highbridge and surrounds.”
“We are having to be patient in order to get it right, frustrating as this is for the whole team and I am sure the community.”
