Wetherspoons project in the Old Town Hall is a key part of the pub chain’s newly announced plans to expand the business by 200 pubs and 15,000 jobs in the next five years.
However, the discovery of what a spokesman describes as “an ornate timber ceiling dating back to the building original use as the Corn Exchange” has slightly delayed the start of work on the refurbishment of the now empty building.
Planners asked for a detailed Historic survey which has now been completed. The good news is that despite some minor fire damage the majority of the magnificent Victorian ceiling, along with perimeter plaster cornices and detailing, is intact and can be revealed in the renovation designs for the pub.
New architect’s drawings for the scheme are now complete and are expected to be with Taunton planners shortly. How long the work will take is uncertain.
” Examination of various internal and external areas has revealed that the building is in urgent need of repair and renovation and we are keen to get work started as soon as possible,” said a Wetherspoons spokesman.