Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Calls to sell old hospital as vandalism escalates
VANDALS have struck at a landmark 200-year-old former hospital, prompting urgent calls to sell off the buildings for redevelopment.
The old Bridgwater Community Hospital, in Salmon Parade, has attracted interest from several parties since being put up for sale in June.
But the site, vacated three years ago, has suffered from vandalism in recent months, with damage caused during break-ins and windows smashed after having rocks thrown at them.
Town councillor Katy Pearce said: “It is really disappointing when things like this happen.
“It is an important building at the heart of the town and we’re now keener than ever for someone to come in and redevelop it as soon as possible.
“Bringing more people into the town is a top priority. We cannot afford to waste a site such as this.”
The NHS moved out of the hospital to Bridgwater Hospital, in Bower Lane, before selling the site for £1.6 million.
After planning permission was secured for a hotel-led mixed use redevelopment at the two-acre site, it was listed for sale again in June, this time with a price tag of £2.6m.
Property consultant Alder King is dealing with the sale.
Andrew Maynard, from the company’s Taunton office, said: “Over the past two to three months vandalism at the site has unfortunately escalated.
“Anyone going to the site now will see there is a lot of boarding around it to try to stop the problems we’ve been having.
“There have been break-ins and rocks thrown through the windows.
“We don’t want any damage to the buildings, so are keeping a security presence at the site.”
Mr Maynard said there had been interest from potential buyers, but no formal offers had yet been made.
He added: “We’ve been in discussions with a number of parties and we hope to attract some offers soon.
“The ideas which we have heard for the site are very exciting.”
The hospital was built in 1813, but in recent years it was judged by the NHS to be cramped and outdated and it moved away in 2014.
Today, Avon and Somerset Police carry out training exercises at the site.
The planning consent is for a 100bed hotel, retaining the listed landmark Georgian facade and stone entrance porch.
Bringing more people into town is a priority.
We cannot afford to waste a site such as this
KATY PEARCE
Under the consent, the remaining buildings could be knocked down and replaced with a development such as a health club, restaurant and children’s nursery.
Dave Chapple, chairman of Bridgwater and District Civic Society, said: “It is a sad reflection of society that a building like this cannot be redeveloped straight away.”