THE Old Hospital building in Minehead was sold to a mystery buyer for £350,000 at auction last week.

Although the buyer is unknown to the public, Minehead Development Trust have been in talks with them.

The Chair of MDT Jenny Lennon-Wood has hinted all might not be lost, but told the County Gazette that the situation was delicate. 

She said: “We are in contact with the buyers of the building and we are pursuing constructive ways forward with them. 

“MDT are very pleased to have the opportunity to try and pursue community involvement with the Old Hospital Building.” 

It is unclear what is to be done with the building.

MDT – a regeneration group – had hoped to purchase the Grade II listed building to turn it into a community hub, providing the town with services such as a library and information centre, a museum and a large community run public space.

According to a poll by the County Gazette, 59% of the people who answered it wanted to see a community hub in the building.

The building, which was owned by the NHS, was closed in 2011 after it was replaced with a new community hospital on Seaward Way.

An NHS Property Services spokesperson said: “Although we know the property had been important to Minehead, the old hospital site had been declared surplus to NHS requirements by healthcare commissioners and was costing the taxpayer a significant amount of money to maintain and secure.

"Proceeds from the sale will go back to the NHS.”

On Facebook people have been sharing their reactions to the sale.

Bob Coates said: “Now it is sold, no one has any idea what plans the new owner has, such that the building could stand empty for years while planning arguments go on and on.”

Simon Antonelli said: “Business is business. The person that bought it has got a bargain, whatever they do to it, I wish them luck. If I had the money and the backing I’d love to have bought it and developed it for maximum gain. Better sold and used than sitting idle and costing thousands to secure it.”

Mandy Chitt Keenan said: “It will be nice to see the building tidied up and being used. I’m glad it’s been sold rather than left decaying. Good luck to whoever has purchased it.”