Developer kick starts pub conversion scheme

Suspended because of the downturn, work is now proceeding on an ambitious regeneration project at the former Raglan pub in Weston-super-Mare.

Developers had put the site on the back burner to see how the property sector recovered, but have now brought in Bristol regeneration specialists Helm Construction to build five new homes on the site in Upper Church Road.

The Raglan closed after a fire in 2011 and has been semi derelict ever since. The total project is expected to cost in the region of £400,000.

Helm Construction Head of Finance Adam Marks said the development was now well underway.

He comments: “The developers had suspended the project until they were satisfied with the general direction of the economy and have now kicked started the site once again.

“We were particularly happy as the contract is with a previous client and highlights our strong relationships with past customers.”

The work involves the conversion of the pub premises and associated manager’s accommodation into four one-bed and one two-bedroom apartments.

The Bristol-based builders are about to complete seven new homes on the site of the former Staddons timber yard in Parnell Road, Clevedon and are busy converting redundant space above shops in Nailsea.