BRIDGWATER'S former Aldi superstore in Eastover could be turned into an events and conference centre under new plans.
The applicant, DC Hotels (Bridgwater) Ltd., is also seeking permission to expand the neighbouring Mercure Hotel to add 14 guest apartments and one standard room.
The hotel has been open since 2018, and the applicant says the events centre would become a key part of its operations if permission is granted.
Aldi relocated to Northgate in October 2020, leaving the Eastover store vacant.
An application to convert the former supermarket has been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council. An application for the hotel expansion will be lodged separately.
The design and access statement says: “The economic impact of the introduction of these proposals would be a positive one, as hotel apartments and the events centre would introduce new customer groups into Bridgwater to support and utilise local amenities and commercial facilities.
“In terms of its features, the proposed hotel extension forms a continuation of the principal hotel elevation along Eastover, therefore creating a strong building frontage.
“A contemporary architectural style is proposed for the proposed Events & Conference Centre to create a building with a strong visual impact and link to the hotel, given its location, by utilising a similar palette of external materials.”
Proposed changes to Aldi's former Eastover supermarket
The application says the events and conference centre - which would operate in association with the hotel - will “deliver a contemporary events space that will support and diversify the level of attractions and amenities in the town centre”.
It could be used for weddings, conferences, fashion exhibitions and other community events.
The applicant also says the development will “support the regeneration of the area and attract further inward investment” and “enhance the appearance of the area”.
To convert the building, the existing retail space would be reconfigured into several smaller areas including an entrance lobby, bar/lounge and three event rooms.
Externally, the building would undergo façade upgrades to ensure it ties in with the Mercure Hotel and “reflects the wider vision to regenerate the area”.
Planned extension to Bridgwater's Mercure Hotel
The applicant believes the expansion of the hotel would diversify the accommodation available in the town centre for tourists and businesspeople by providing long-stay ‘aparthotel’ options alongside 120 standard guest rooms.
The apartments would be on the first, second, third and fourth floors.
The additional standard room would be on the fourth floor, and there would be two new ancillary rooms on the ground floor.
The proposal would see the hotel extended westward along Eastover with the same elevational style and materials as the current building.
Vehicles would access the car park for the hotel and conference centre through the existing undercroft from Eastover and from the A38 Broadway.
A former access route to the former Aldi car park from Eastover would be “stopped up and its use discontinued”.
There would be a revised car parking configuration with a total of 96 spaces, including six for electric vehicle charging and nine for people with disabilities, plus a total of 14 cycle parking spaces and a landscaped garden area.
You can see the full planning statements by visiting the Sedgemoor District Council website. The application number is 08/22/00190.
Residents can comment on the proposals until Monday, April 3.
From April 1, the new Somerset Council unitary authority will take on responsibility for making decisions on planning applications.
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