WORK will start in just two months on the development of the Highbridge Hotel, with project bosses vowing to restore the ‘wow factor’ to the gateway to the town.

The YMCA says the transfer of the land into its ownership is moving forward and it will put the work out to tender next month.

The project to transform the hotel building – which was destroyed by fire in 2008 – into accommodation for young people as well as a community hall can then start in November.

YMCA chief executive Martin Hodgson said: “The YMCA are so excited about this project.

“The goodwill and support from the community has been overwhelming, with conversations already beginning over who will be using the building and how this will benefit young and old alike.

“Transforming such an iconic building, which has fallen into such a state of repair, we recognise will not be easy, however we are working hard to ensure that from the start we have a clear picture of how the development will progress.

“The building is the gateway to Highbridge and without a doubt when finished will have the wow factor, which will really welcome people to the town.”

Work will be completed by June 2016.

Burnham and Highbridge Mayor, Martin Cox, said: “This is something we thought would never happen.

It’s fantastic news that we have a timescale now.

“Let’s get the tenders out and get things moving forward.

I think everybody in Highbridge will be having a party when this is finished.”

Two housing companies are also developing the neighbouring former cattle market site into affordable homes, which should be ready for the first people to move in from December.

The Homes and Communities Agency has invested a grant of £1.18 million into the development and Knightstone Housing has invested a further £6.018 million.

Mike Day, Knightstone’s director of development and home ownership said: “We’re really pleased to be able to start the development of these 58 much needed affordable homes.

“As well as providing new homes, we’ll also be investing in the local community, by contributing funds to the development of children’s play areas and a five year travel plan to help our new residents and homeowners settle into the area.”