THE old hospital site in Minehead looks set to burst back into activity following quiet year caused by Covid.

Minehead Connect Community Interest Company, which runs the old hospital site, has suffered a loss of income during the pandemic, but all that looks about to change with former and new clients taking space there.

The town library is set to relocate to the building while its premises undergo a major refurbishment and at the same time, the registrar team will move into the former hospital.

The old Minehead Hospital

The old Minehead Hospital

Somerset Primary Healthcare nurses are this month establishing a permanent base in the former A&E section, from where they will organise their activities across the wider community of Somerset.

The Bristol agency for DVSA will be offering appointments for learner drivers to take their theoretical tests.

Other potential clients include St John Ambulance, Somerset Film, Exmoor Events, Minehead Hankuk-MU-DO, Foxes Academy and Activate UK.

Photographer Mark Stothard has had offices and a dark room in the premises since the start of the year, while West Somerset Radio is also based there.

Work is ongoing to re-open the café space under the banner Treat Suite, a family business created during lockdown.

A Minehead Connect spokesperson said: "Minehead Connect has always promised to bring the old hospital site into community use and, despite some serious background hurdles to be jumped, is now back on track to deliver that promise.

"Minehead Connect CIC is a not for profit organisation and so all income after deduction of overheads is ploughed back directly into the coffers to continue the work to refurbish the building.

Anyone interested in joining the group of volunteers at Minehead Connect should e-mail info@mineheadconnect.co.uk or call 01643705252.

The spokesperson added: "All skill backgrounds are welcomed from solicitor, accountant and project manager to painter, decorator, DIY enthusiast and administrator or simply anyone with an interest to join the enthusiastic team working to return this beautiful building to its former glory."