HOPES stir that Droitwich’s Raven Hotel will be brought back to life ahead of the New Year.
Campaigners from the Raven Heartbeat group continue to work to buy the listed building and transform it into a community asset, with ‘constructive discussions’ beginning with the developer to progress a deal in a timely way.
The group have said they are working carefully and responsibly to protect the building’s historic character, but insist safety must come first after it was discovered the chimney stack had fallen.
Due to a covenant on the Raven, which was devastated in a fire back in August, it cannot be turned back into a hotel, and so campaigners feel a community space is the most well-supported alternative.
The Raven is privately owned by Live Urban Two Limited, with Inroka Limited, a development company, still in place.
Earlier this year, Wychavon District Council installed the fencing that currently surrounds the site after being made aware of recent instances where sections have fallen.
Coun Dan Birch, who represents Droitwich East on Worcestershire County Council and has been working with Raven Heartbeat, added that the authority is looking into what further action can be taken to ensure the boundary remains secure and safe for the public.
Coun Birch added he has requested that asbestos monitors be installed, despite agencies being satisfied the site is safe while the asbestos in the building remained undisturbed.
A spokesperson for Raven Heartbeat said: “The Raven Hotel is an important part of Droitwich’s heritage and local identity.
“While safety must come first, our group are committed to working carefully and responsibly to protect the building’s historic character for the benefit of the community once we have had final talks with the present owner.”
“We can confirm that a chimney stack has fallen at the Raven Hotel in Droitwich.
“The situation has been taken very seriously, with immediate steps taken to ensure public safety by Wychavon.”
Coun Birch added: “As the local county councillor, but more importantly as a resident of this town, I want to see the Raven brought back to life.
“The Raven Heartbeat Group is serious, well-organised, and taking all the right steps to secure the Raven.
“It is increasingly clear that a passionate, community-driven solution may be the best hope for restoring this landmark.
“I will do everything I can to support this group as I wholeheartedly believe they are the best way forward.”
