Can the frontage of historic Midhurst hotel be saved?
The 400-year-old Angel Inn was almost entirely destroyed after the fire last week – but there are hopes the iconic frontage could be kept.
Hoarding has been erected across the road from the wreckage and owners are reportedly seeking advice from engineers on a ‘façade retention scheme’.
A Chichester District Council spokesperson said: “Following the hotel fire in Midhurst last Thursday, a number of agencies attended a site meeting on March 20, including our Building Control team.
"We understand that the owners are currently engaging a structural engineer to advise on the design of any façade retention scheme, and it is hoped that this will be in place within a four-week period. However, this is subject to relevant approvals from the multiple agencies involved. As soon as the temporary appropriate stabilisation of the structures are in place then the road closure can be reviewed.”
During a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (March 21), Gordon McAra (Ind, Midhurst) praised the way residents had stepped up to help the 34 Ukrainian refugees who had been staying in the hotel.
He said: “The town itself rallied round all morning, collecting clothes, shoes, necessities, toiletries, nappies for the refugees so at least they had a change of outfit.
"Because if you’ve ever been in a fire and you’re standing there in your pyjamas and a pair of slippers if you’re lucky, it’s an unpleasant, awkward and somewhat degrading [experience] to go through.
“So the town quickly came together and gave succour and support to these people.”
Mr McAra also praised the swift action of the district council which, by 5am, had arranged for those evacuated from the fire to be cared for at The Grange leisure centre before rehousing the Ukrainians in temporary accommodation by early afternoon.
As for the Angel itself, Mr McAra said he was ‘optimistic’ that its façade could be saved to allow for future development or rebuilding.
The district council is calling on residents to support businesses in the town with the closure of North Street expected to have a huge knock-on effect on shops and restaurants.