MINEHEAD’S derelict old hospital could become a ‘one-stop shop’ for at least a dozen organisations in a new community hub – the first moving in as early as next March – a packed public meeting was told on Wednesday.

It was standing room only at the Beach Hotel as nearly 400 people gave approval to Minehead Development Trust’s latest proposals which include a massive redevelopment of the rear of the building to include a new reception area and a paved walkway through to Blenheim Gardens.

Entrepreneurs William Howard and Bob Jones, who bought the redundant building for £350,000 last March, were said to have given general agreement to the foundation of a community hub and co-located services.

Outline plans for the repurposing of the site would be submitted within the next few weeks.

Trust chairman Ray Tew told the meeting that, in view of severe local authority cutbacks, the hospital could play a key role in the future as the only large building in the town capable of accommodating essential services and activities in a one-stop shop.

He said the trust was now looking at ways of accessing the buildings at the back of the site and general agreement had been reached with the neighbouring Methodist church to create a shared space through to Blenheim Gardens.

There were plans for a new purpose-built reception area on the site of the former X-ray department.

“Some of the buildings at the rear of the site would come down to make room for the proposed walkway to Blenheim Gardens but some will stay to generate income,” he said.

“The listed front section will take more time to reinstate and is a separate project by the owners - restoring it to its former glory will obviously take time.”

Full story in the Free Press.