Published: July 10, 2012
Youth hostel rumoured to be among the plans for Highbridge Hotel site

Sedgemoor District Council has this week declined to confirm or deny rumours that the fire-hit Highbridge Hotel could soon be transformed into a major new youth hostel.

Residents say they have heard plans are being drawn up by the building's owner, Mead Realisations, to overhaul the former landmark into a modern youth hostel as part of a wider scheme to regenerate the site.

Asked to comment on the rumours on Monday, Sedgemoor District Council did not deny or confirm them. Spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The district council is working with a range of partners and the owners of the Highbridge Hotel to help restore the property to its former focal part of Highbridge town centre."

"There are very early discussions as to the final use of the property. Any achievable solution will be subject to consultation and a public announcement will be made at the appropriate time."

One local resident, who asked not be named, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Several of us have heard that plans are being drawn up for a youth hostel at the site, which on the face of it could be a good use. Anything is better than more flats or leaving the building in its current state."

The former Highbridge Hotel has been derelict since a huge blaze occurred in April 2008. New wood hoardings were introduced last August in a bid to screen some of the building from motorists entering the town.

Pictured: The hotel this week and, above, the fire at the property in 2008