A HEREFORD hotel with a long history is being turned into flats for emergency cases and work is underway.
The Merton Hotel in Commercial Road has been bought by Vennture, a local Christian charity which hopes to turn it into social housing.
But it has a long history as a popular hotel over the years after opening in 1890, according to Travel Weekly.
It included 14 en suite letting bedrooms, a bar, restaurant, and functions room with capacity for 70 people.
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Old bar in the Merton Hotel
Seating area in the bar area in the Merton Hotel
Inside the hotel it is like stepping back in time.
Downstairs the ceilings are low, and the rooms are cold, with furniture, glasses, and signs remaining.
Even a chalkboard, that has a menu on, and framed artwork of the hotel, were left behind.
The bar's popular arch known as the 'hole in the wall' remained after the refurb, and further arches were added throughout the ground floor.
Merton Hotel, November 2022
Its large industrial kitchen still has cooking utensils and working stoves.
The bedrooms are old fashioned, but liveable, clean, and somewhat what cosy.
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The bathrooms are still functioning and can be used.
Outdoor benches, umbrellas, and ashtrays stand in the courtyard.
Double bedroom in the Merton Hotel
Twin bedroom in the Merton Hotel
Work is underway, led by Vennture, in all rooms, with volunteers working to sweep up and organise, while workmen sort electrics, painting, and other more technical aspects.
Over the next two years, Vennture wants to create 15 fresh-start homes across its two sites as part of its plans to provide a fresh start for families coming out of difficulties ¬– the other site being in Vicarage Road.
These homes will help families get back on their feet by linking them with quality work, quality mentoring and supportive relationships.
Kitchen in the Merton Hotel
Merton Hotel, November 2022
In the meant time the charity wants to open a hub for the homeless and those in need, where they can seek advice and be directed to the correct services.
From December 5, there will be a friendly hub in the Merton Hotel between Monday to Friday 11am and 1pm where people can check in.
The team's aim is to not put a "sticky plaster on a wound", said a spokesperson.
Merton Hotel, November 2022
Framed drawing of the Merton Hotel
Instead of only solving a person's issue for a short time, the charity wants to help them find a long-term solution.
As part of the initiative, the Vennture team will work with local foodbanks, charities, faith groups, retailers and businesses, police, and CCTV to identify anyone presenting as homeless.
Merton Hotel's courtyard with picnic benches, umbrellas, and ash trays
Merton Hotel rack for room keys
As a last resort, as part of the Transformation Grant, Vennture will also have access to seven safe, warm, well-supervised rooms for the night.
Back in 1986 the hotel had a "major facelift" when it was owned by Roy and Anne Baker, according to a Hereford Times report.
Old furniture was left in the hotel when Vennture bought it
Extensive building work took place for a year, and the changes meant a great deal to customers at the time.
The bar's popular arch known as the hole in the wall remained after the refurb, and further arches were added throughout the ground floor.
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