Work is well underway on the long-awaited, multi-million pound redevelopment of the former Highbridge Hotel site.
The foundations and metal frame of the new building are now in place, with the construction of the new YMCA facilities ‘on track’ to be completed next summer.
The former hotel was severely damaged by fire in 2008 and 2011, before the
YMCA took control of the site in 2014.
The much-delayed project will provide a community hub, café, sports hall and dedicated meeting spaces alongside 23 homes for vulnerable young people.
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Cllr Bill Hancock said at the latest Town Council meeting: “It’s great to see the new hotel replacement finally taking shape – it will be a fantastic building.”
Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Mike Cresswell, added: “This truly marks the end of the long wait. I am thrilled that all teams have persevered with the project to ensure that Highbridge can benefit from the housing and community hub it so desperately needs.”
Chief Executive of YMCA Somerset Coast, Martin Hodgson, added: “Although challenging, this project is a true representation of why we do what we do at YMCA Somerset Coast. Despite the hurdles, we endeavour to transform the iconic site into an integral community hub for all residents from the local community to benefit and enjoy.”
The site, managed by John Perkins Construction, is planned to complete by August 2019.
The Chief Executive of YMCA Somerset Coast recently pledged that the long-awaited redevelopment of the Highbridge Hotel site will be completed in August 2019.
Speaking to town councillors as building work got underway at the hotel site, Martin Hodgson said: “I am confident that the new building will appear before our eyes over the next 11 months and become the new gateway to Highbridge.”
The project is being funded by the YMCA, Sedgemoor District Council, and Homes England.
Local historians say the hotel was likely founded in the late 18th century and it has been a landmark at the entry to the town for years.
When the Cattle Market closed in 2007 the Highbridge Hotel was secured to prevent tresspass and authorised entry, however the building was subject to several acts of arson and was gutted by fire in 2008.
The structure of the building was destroyed to such an extent that substantial fire clearance works were required to make the buildings safe. Work to clear the building was agreed with Sedgemoor District Council.
As part of the fire clearance works and in agreement with the Conservation Officer and English Heritage, work was undertaken to support the main building facade to ensure its main feature was protected.
No internal features within the site remain and the only element of the building considered to be of merit and worth retaining are the remains of the fire damaged southern facade.
