A HISTORIC hotel building is set to be brought back into use - helped by £675,00 of taxpayers' money.

Proposals have been unveiled to convert the Great Western Hotel beside Taunton Station into a hub for start-up businesses and a training and skills facility using 15-bed boutique-style hotel accommodation.

Taunton Deane Borough Council's corporate scrutiny committee next Thursday will hear of proposals for a £675,000 loan repayable over 25 years to the scheme operator, Somerset Coast YMCA.

An officer's report says the project has risks that are considered "acceptable" as loan repayments would generate a profit of around £182,000 in interest for the council.

It says the proposal would contribute to the delivery of local employment sites, training opportunities and the regeneration of Taunton, including the redevelopment of the station, offering "a new gateway welcoming businesses and travellers to the town" as it will be opposite a new entrance to the platforms.

The YMCA, which is expected to complete the purchase of the £1 million building this summer, has estimated the cost of refurbishing and converting the hotel at £1.66 million.

The project was recently awarded £500,000 from the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation.

It will create 10 new jobs, 12 apprenticeships, 10 traineeships and a range of volunteering opportunities.

The meeting will also hear of proposals for a loan for an undisclosed amount to revamp Taunton Station contained in a confidential report.