People of West Somerset are asked: what should be the New purpose for Minehead's community hospital?
| Published: 22nd August 2008 14:17 |
A shared vision for the future of the West Somerset Hospital in Minehead has united community and public sector organisations across West Somerset with a single aim to try to keep the historic listed building for the community.
The Minehead Old Hospital Group (MOHG) is now welcoming thoughts from people across West Somerset on its proposal to make the hospital a hub of community and cultural activity. It is hoped the venture can be underpinned by sound private enterprise, to make it a viable and sustainable centre for residents across the district to enjoy and to provide an indoor attraction for visitors.
Julian Luttrell, Chairman of the group, explained, "Not only is the beautiful building based in the heart of the town, it has always had the public at the heart of its various functions. We would like to keep it this way, and we would like the support of people from the whole area if they feel the same."
MOHG has raised approximately £20,000 in donations for a feasibility study into the site's future. Pledges for the study have come from all sectors of the community, including the Minehead and East Quantoxhead Trust, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Somerset County Council and West Somerset Council.
The hospital was built as a town hall in 1889, before it was converted into the Luttrell Memorial Hospital and, latterly, the West Somerset Hospital.
The South West Regional Development Agency, which encourages projects that regenerate local towns and their economies, has expressed an interest in the project whilst the building's current owners, Somerset PCT, have not ruled out remaining stakeholders in any proposals that may arise from the study.
The Grade 2 listed building falls within the Wellington Square Conservation Area. Whilst the Gothic Revival façade is largely intact, in 1898 the ‘old' police station was built at the rear of the building and another extension for a nurses' home was built in 1923.
Sally Bainbridge, Minehead Conservation Society representative, said, "It is vital that this architecturally important listed building which was designed by one of Minehead's foremost Victorian architects, Piers St Aubyn, is preserved and restored. The building has contributed to the cultural, social and community needs of Minehead for over a century and we would like to see this valuable asset continue to benefit people across the whole of West Somerset."
The aim of the feasibility study is to establish the ways in which the hospital can be developed to play a significant part in social and cultural life locally. The study will look at the possibilities of:
- incorporating a library, exhibition and museum space, and community arts space,
- study rooms and offices,
- celebrating the works and theories of Minehead-born author, Arthur C Clarke,
and there will be scope to look at commercial and residential aspects of any proposals.
Sea Change specialises in arts and cultural regeneration projects which will bring benefits specifically to coastal towns.
The group is expecting to hear back from Sea Change in September and although it has pledges of funding, it would still like to hear from any organisations that may be interested in contributing to the study.
The ideas and hopes of the group will be presented to Minehead Town Council by Cllr Jenny Lennon-Wood, who said, "The group has been meeting since early 2008 and a lot of work has gone into getting the project this far. If successful, I think it will be a real step forward and a catalyst for further regeneration projects in Minehead."
The Economic Regeneration Strategy 2002 for Minehead and West Somerset identified the need to develop the area's profile as a leisure destination with tourism, citing culture, arts and crafts as major drivers.
Ray Tew, ARTlife Chairman,
"As part of this exploratory work, we have also applied to Sea Change for further funding. If this extra funding is won, it would increase the scope of our feasibility study to include other sites in the town, such as the Regal Theatre and Blenheim Gardens. Either way, we are committed to exploring all the options we can for the old hospital."
Graham Sizer, Chairman of Minehead Chamber of Trade and Commerce
"We are not naïve and we know that it is hard for cultural and arts centres to make a profit, especially in these hard financial times. To underpin the project and make a good business case, we need to explore avenues that will help support the project in the long-term.
"If the study is positive we will apply wherever we can for capital funding to buy the building and get any viable proposals under way. However, we do not want to see it struggle once that funding has run out so we will consider any packages that will ensure the venture is sustainable for future generations that will live in or visit West Somerset."
Cllr Michael Downes, West Somerset Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism;
"In the study, we hope to identify that the hospital can play a significant role in the regeneration of Minehead by providing a social and cultural hub, whilst also providing visitors with a focal point in the centre of town. The potential value of the hospital to tourism, as well as to the local economy, should not be underestimated. "
Somerset County Councillor Ian Galloway;
"The county council has invested a significant amount in the regeneration of Minehead through projects like work and market space beside the railway station. However, we recognise that new opportunities like the hospital will come along and, if they prove to have social, cultural and economic benefits for the people of West Somerset, naturally we would welcome them and pledge our support to help make them a reality."
Katrina Midgely, Manager Engage CVS
"It would be really exciting to see a range of services under one roof. If it is possible, the hospital could provide local people with the chance to experience a range of arts and cultural pursuits as well as give the communities of West Somerset a social centre in which to come together."
Web pages have been set up on West Somerset Council's website so that people can track the project's progress. There are feedback forms on the page and the group would love to hear local people's views on their hopes and aspirations for the building, and how they see it benefiting the district's community in future. To access the pages, go to West Somerset Council website
The group has plans to widen consultation opportunities for local people in the coming months so that everyone with an interest can have their say on the potential uses of the building, and will make details of these available shortly.
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