A FORMER Minehead bar is set to be transformed into a museum, tourist information centre and café as part of grand plans to create a "heritage hub" at the northern end of the town.

Minehead's vision manager Stephen Hooper has been instrumental in bringing together a host of key organisations in the district as part of his ongoing plans to revitalise and boost both the economy and vitality of the seaside town.

Following the success of a temporary 'pop-up' museum in the former tourist information centre on the seafront during the summer, Mr Hooper has been working on proposals for a permanent museum venture.

He has secured support from the YMCA, Minehead Development Trust, Minehead Museum Group and the West Somerset Railway to create a heritage hub at the northern end of The Avenue.

Central to that plan is the conversion of the former Steamers bar in the Beach Hotel - now owned by the YMCA Somerset Coast Group - to house a café along with the Minehead Information Centre and a new museum.

Mr Hooper said: "The 'pop-up' museum on the seafront this summer was a big hit and proved the demand for a permanent museum.

"The support came equally from both residents and visitors and the YMCA has given us the chance to make this a reality."

If all goes according to plan, the new centre could be open for business in time for the Easter holiday season.

Martin Hodgson, the YMCA Somerset Coast's chief executive, described the venture as a "fantastic opportunity" which would enable the Beach Hotel to become a focus for "positive community use".

"By providing the museum and information centre in such a high-profile location we can generate a huge amount of interest in both the history of the region and the opportunities available for both tourists and residents alike.

"We at the YMCA see this as a prime example of partnership working to showcase Minehead," Mr Hodgson said.

As part of the scheme, the Minehead Museum Project Group, formerly part of the Minehead Conservation Society, has become a registered company limited by guarantee under the name Minehead Museum.

Company chairman Joe Passmore said: "We are delighted to be working with the management of the YMCA in their development of this prime site.

"We can now build on the success of our September exhibition, which attracted over 1,000 visitors, many of whom commented on the need for a permanent museum in Minehead," he said.

Mr Passmore said he was confident the many Friends of Minehead Museum would come to the fore to give the project the support it needed to ensure its success.

The transformed bar will also become the home of the tourist information centre, which was opened last year in The Avenue by the development trust with financial support from Minehead Town Council and West Somerset Council.

In the last year staff have helped some 40,000 visitors and development trust chairman Jenny Lennon-Wood welcomed the "exciting opportunity" of offering tourist and heritage services under one roof.

"Even at this early stage, co-operation is generating new ideas that will enable us all to offer an excellent service to Minehead's community and visitors.

"This move will further enhance the potential for Minehead's future prosperity," she said.

Paul Conibeare, West Somerset Railway general manager, said he was thrilled the development would be so close to the heritage line's station in Minehead.

He said: "During the course of the season, Minehead station welcomes 150,000 visitors and the first thing our visitors need is local information about the great products and services Minehead has on offer.

"Being part of a heritage hub will really enhance the overall visitor experience and benefit all involved and help to benefit the town as a whole."

Mr Hooper said his ultimate vision was to create a "shared space" at the end of The Avenue, where both pedestrians and cars would have equal right-of-way.

"This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity to create a cohesive visitor destination zone with a strong identity.

"The area was originally redesigned as a plaza, now with visitor services to be located on both sides we believe it can realise its potential as a 'shared space' in which pedestrians and cars have equal right of way," Mr Hooper said.

Photo: Steve Guscott