MINEHEAD'S old hospital is officially up for sale - more than two years after a new state-of-the art multi-million pound replacement opened in the town.

Agents Jones Lang LaSalle announced this week that it was marketing the town centre complex - which includes three grade two listed buildings - on behalf of owners NHS Property Services.

But the Minehead Development Trust, which has been working for more than five years to secure the old hospital as a community asset, pledged this week its campaign would continue.

MDT chairman Jenny Lennon-Wood called on the public to step up its support for the organisation's plans to turn the building into a community hub with more financial pledges to help turn the dream into a reality.

Ms Lennon-Wood said constructive talks had been taking place over the past few months between the MDT board and NHS Property Services, resulting in the MDT's aims for the building being included in the marketing process.

John Read of Jones Lang LaSalle said: "Detailed discussions with West Somerset Council conclude that there are a number of options for the building which include residential, retail, health or leisure.

"We envisage that the building could go into a mixed use with an active ground floor restaurant, retail or community facility making use of the hall with residential above and to the rear."

Ms Lennon-Wood said agreement had been reached that MDT's aims, which could include creating space within the building for a library, information centre and museum, as well as exhibition and performance areas, would be included in the information pack given to potential buyers.

"The old hospital's iconic main building and central location make it a logical choice for the delivery of co-ordinated services," she said.

"With more potential services than available space, MDT is currently in advanced discussions with significant local and regional partners.

"The greatest challenge is to finalise a strong business plan to ensure the long-term viability of the old hospital as a community hub."

MDT launched an appeal for financial pledges to help achieve its plans more than a year ago and currently has around £30,000 promised.

"But now is the time to step up the momentum and seize this unique opportunity to regenerate Minehead's town centre," said Ms Lennon-Wood.

She said pledges both large and small were needed to demonstrate the community's support and help secure large grant aid funding.

Ms Lennon-Wood said no price had been put on the old hospital, with NHS Property Services testing the water.

"It would make a fantastic community hub because it links key elements of the town, creating a flow up The Avenue from the seafront and heritage railway to the Regal Theatre, into the town centre, through to Blenheim Gardens and back towards the harbour."

The hospital's main listed building dates from 1888 and was designed by one of Minehead's foremost Victorian architects, James Piers St Aubyn, originally as a town hall and assembly room.

It became a hospital in 1913 but has a number of additions, with the old police station building and nurses' accommodation also listed.

It is being offered for sale by informal tender and an information pack and more details are available by calling the agents on 01392 423696 or by visiting www. joneslanglasalle.co.uk.