A FORMER hotel at Taunton Station that has been empty for four years is on course to be brought back to life.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is lending £750,000 to YMCA Somerset Coast to convert Great Western House.

The council has granted an enabling loan to exchange on the Grade II listed building, with a further loan to be agreed in the coming weeks to facilitate its purchase.

The YMCA will be refurbishing the building to create 14 boutique hotel bedrooms, a café and conferencing space alongside co-location working spaces for small businesses in Taunton.

Somerset County Gazette:

Artist's impression of how the revamped building could look.

The project will be funded through a mix of sources including the EDF Community Impact Mitigation Fund, the Railway Heritage Trust and YMCA resources.

YMCA Somerset Coast has undertaken similar schemes at the Beach Hotel, in Minehead, and Barley Wood Country House, in Wrington, North Somerset.

The focus is on offering training in hospitality, catering and business skills to young people who may not otherwise be able to access such opportunities.

The building will also act as a centre for community activities and offer modern co-operative workspaces for start up businesses.

Deane leader Cllr John Williams and his deputy Cllr Mark Edwards met YMCA representatives on site this week to review the project.

Mr Edwards said: “The borough council is delighted to be investing in this exciting and innovative project that will bring a neglected but important building back to life and help to regenerate and lift the area.

“It’s a great location for the hotel, conference space and café and for the small business space that are all planned.

"We are a business-friendly council and this project will not only provide a business boost but with the added social and educational benefits.”

Dave Jackson, director of social enterprise for YMCA Somerset Coast said: "This is another hugely exciting opportunity for us to help inspire and change the lives of young people of the area.

"We have already seen amazing transformations within our other projects, not only the buildings but the lives of the young people we work with.

"We have seen them move from our supported housing offering to complete catering qualifications and are now running departments in Michelin starred kitchens across the UK.

“It is anticipated that the refurbishment on the building will commence in September, with a completion date prior to Christmas 2018 and opening in January 2019."

The £750,000 loan will be paid back over 25 years, earning the council more than £180,000 in interest.