Contractor sought for listed hotel site

A consultant with "extensive heritage-led regeneration" experience is being sought, as a council looks for future uses for a Grade II listed hotel.

Shropshire Council bought the White Horse on High Street, Wem, last year for £92,000, with a view to renovating the building which has stood empty for a number of years.

It could feature residential use for the upper floors and a retail unit on the ground floor, the authority has said.

The council has advertised for a contractor to carry out a survey of the building and come up with options for how a future renovation could take shape.

Potential bidders have until 17 May to submit their proposals, with work on the project expected to get under way in June.

The authority said it wanted to ensure the final use was right for the building and its status, "but also ensures a return for the council or at least covers all costs".

It was seeking "a consultant/s with extensive heritage-led regeneration and business experience".

They would work with the council, partners and Wem Town Council members to look at uses "that don't compromise" the building's listed status.

Last year the council put the potential renovation cost at £850,000, with an aim to attract external funding.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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