Great Western House, Taunton

Client: Alium Group

YMCA Dulverton Group have successfully brought the former Great Western Hotel in Taunton back into use through a comprehensive refurbishment and redevelopment project designed to transform the historic building into a modern multi use facility. We were appointed by Alium Group to provide Building Control services in connection with the extensive strip out, refurbishment and internal alterations to the existing property.

The redevelopment involved the careful renovation and reconfiguration of the building to create a 15 bedroom hotel alongside a range of additional facilities including meeting rooms, a bar and café area and flexible office accommodation. The project required significant internal alterations to modernise the building while retaining the character and presence of the original structure within the local area.

Works included the removal of existing internal layouts and finishes, the introduction of new compartmentation and fire safety measures, upgrades to thermal performance and accessibility provisions and the installation of new building services throughout the property. The combination of hospitality, commercial and office spaces within a single building required careful coordination to ensure compliance with current Building Regulations across all aspects of the development.

Our role included carrying out detailed plan assessments and undertaking regular site inspections throughout the construction phase to monitor compliance with Building Regulations requirements. Particular attention was given to fire safety strategies, means of escape, acoustic separation, ventilation and accessibility due to the mixed use nature of the completed development.

The finished scheme has successfully revitalised a well known building within Taunton, creating a high quality and flexible space that supports hospitality, business and community use while giving the former Great Western Hotel a new lease of life.