THE GROUP hoping to turn Minehead’s Old Hospital into a community hub is concerned they may not be able to secure funding in time as the property is due to go to auction earlier than expected.
The Grade II listed building closed in 2011 after it was replaced with a new community hospital in Seaward Way.
Minehead Development Trust – a registered charity – wishes to purchase the building to provide the town with services such as a library and information centre, a museum and a large communityrun public space.
The building, which is owned by the NHS Property Services, was registered as a community asset by West Somerset Council, which restricted the sale on the open market for a further six months.
However, now those six months have passed and the property is back on the open market for 12 months, meaning it can now be purchased by developers, not just community groups.
The building, which is situated in the heart of the town, is due to go to auction on March 26 with a guide price of £350,000.
A statement released by MDT said they were concerned that they do not currently have the funds to take on the building.
Chairman of the trust Jenny Lennon-Wood told the County Gazette she didn’t want to say anything that might jeopardise the ongoing processes.
She said: “It is absolutely essential to keep the building in the Minehead Community.
“We know people care about the building because we have a dedicated team compiling a history of the building for the museum we have set up on the Beach Hotel.
“It is the main focal point of the town.
“But it’s not just finding the funds for purchasing the property it’s doing all the work inside also.”
A spokesperson for NHS Property Services said: “We appreciate the building has been important to the people of Minehead and, since 2013, we have worked with West Somerset Council and the Minehead Development Trust during two six-month periods where the property was registered as an ‘asset of community value’ under the Localism Act 2011.
“As owners of this vacant site, which takes valuable NHS funds to maintain and secure, our role is to ensure best value for the taxpayer and the NHS.
“The property is due to be auctioned on March 26, 2015, and proceeds from the sale would be reinvested in the NHS.”
On Facebook, people have suggested that the building be used for a nightclub, a mental health or dementia home, or an indoor play area for children.
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