Bid to revamp fire-hit Raven Hotel for community

A historic former hotel gutted by fire could be turned into a wedding and conference venue under new plans.

Campaigners who are trying to save the Raven in Droitwich Spa are in talks with the site's owners and Wychavon District Council over creating a community hub.

They also intend to appeal for public donations and apply for heritage lottery funding as they bid to restore the fire-ravaged site.

Nicky Roberts, from the Raven Heartbeat Group, said: "It would mean so much to the town if we can make this happen."

Last August large sections of the historic Grade II listed building, which closed as a hotel more than a decade ago, were wrecked in an alleged arson attack.

Two teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of arson, but have since been released under investigation.

Roberts added: "It's a big building - we'd be looking to have rooms for hire, so it can be used for weddings and conferences, and for general public use.

"The building will have to pay for itself - but the aim is to put the Raven back into the heart of the community where she belongs.

"The structure needs to keep its original features and look the same, and we're in talks with the owner and the council.

"The Raven has always been the centrepiece for Droitwich, exactly where it stands - that's what we want to see again for this town."

Early estimates suggest it would cost several million pounds to make the idea a reality, with an online crowdfunding appeal about to launch to start getting funds in.

The group is hopeful heritage funding can be unlocked to pay for the bulk of the restoration.

A Wychavon District Council spokesman said: "We have met with the Raven Heartbeat group to discuss their proposal and are supportive of all efforts to bring the former Raven Hotel site back into use.

"Our focus is on continuing to ensure the building is protected from further deterioration and does not pose a risk to the public."

The site owners Live Urban Two have also been contacted for comment.

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