MINEHEAD’S Old Hospital hosted its first official community event last Friday (October 7) when local charities and community groups exhibited on the forecourt.

A highlight of the day was guided tours of the building with joint owner Bill Howard, along with a slideshow of historical photographs, present day pictures and some suggestions of possible future uses for the site.

Nearly 200 people went on the tour and Mr Howard said: “It was wonderful to see the public using the building again, albeit in a small way.

“This building is clearly loved by local people, and I hope that together we can restore its former glory and create a vibrant community facility for Minehead and the surrounding areas.”

He said that Minehead Connect had been selected as a working title for the project to restore and revitalise the building.

The formalities to create and register a Community Interest Company (CIC) are expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

The next stage will be to form a steering group to advise the CIC board.

“Lots of people want to know what is planned and have ideas about how they would like to see this project develop,” said Mr Howard.

“We would like to hear from anybody who is interested in being part of the steering group or as a board member.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of this project, not only to save an iconic building but to create a lasting legacy for the people of West Somerset.” 

Anyone wanting to find out more about joining the steering group or board, or any organisation interested in using space within the building can email [email protected] or phone 01643 709134 for more information.