A CONTRACT to redevelop a landmark Highbridge hotel has been awarded.

YMCA Somerset Coast is to re-open the former hotel as a community hub, cafe, sports hall and 23 homes for vulnerable young people.

But the building is listed and in poor condition, with the YMCA saying it had taken ‘months of hard work and challenges’ to secure the contract, which has been awarded to John Perkins Construction (JPC).

The hotel was ravaged by fire in 2008 and 2011 and the YMCA took over the site in 2014.

Andrew Pearce YMCA Somerset Coast director of housing said “The renovated building will offer opportunity for the community, and young people.

“It is so exciting to be working with our local authority partners to deliver a much needed resource to the community.”

Rupert Perkins, contracts director of JPC, said the project was similar to other work the firm had carried out.

“We’re thrilled to be getting involved with such an exciting redevelopment, which will have a transformative effect on an area that really deserves investment,” he said.

“Our recent experience of working with YMCA Bristol on the award-winning Bristol Wing renovation was an extremely positive one, and we’re pleased to be building new relationships with YMCA Somerset Coast on the Highbridge Hotel project.

“Once finished, this community hub promises to help local people for years to come, and we’re proud to contribute to this great legacy.”

Sedgemoor District Council is part-funding the scheme and Councillor Andrew Gilling, portfolio holder for housing, added: “I am very pleased that the project is moving into its final phase.

“There have been quite a few hiccups over the past 10 years, but now that the construction contractor has been appointed to complete the community hub, café and sports hall as well as the ‘follow on’ accommodation, I am very much looking forward to seeing the end result.”

As well as the council, funding for the project has come from the YMCA and Homes England.