Following our meeting on 13th January, we want to provide an update to staff, partners, tenants, and the wider community on the ongoing work to reopen the Bridges Centre.
The meeting was positive and constructive, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to progressing the necessary steps to bring activity back into the building in a timely and safe manner. While no firm reopening dates were agreed at this stage, important progress is being made.
Next Steps
Over the coming week, a health and safety assessment will be carried out to determine whether tenants can safely return to the first floor of the building. This assessment is a key step in understanding what level of use may be possible in the short term.
Further meetings are already scheduled into February, involving:
- Insurance representatives
- Monmouth County Council (MCC)
- Savills, the appointed project managers
These discussions will focus on the findings of the health and safety report, next phases of work, and the pathway toward fuller reopening.
Building Restoration Plans
The current plan is for initial work to focus on restoring the newer areas of the building, including Agincourt Hall and the Kymin Room, so that some activities may be able to resume in these spaces as soon as possible. Restoration of the older, heritage areas of the building, such as the Ballroom and Pantry, will take longer due to the additional care required to preserve their historic features.
Wellbeing Projects – Services Continuing as Normal
We want to provide clear reassurance to service users that all Bridges wellbeing projects continue to operate as normal during this time.
This includes:
- Social Circles – new locations on Tuesday and Thursday
- Befriending
- The Car Scheme
- Quest Busters
- Building Bridges
- Autism Family Support
- Monmouthshire People First
These services remain fully active, and staff are continuing to deliver support without interruption. If service users have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact their usual point of contact within the team.
Regular Volunteer Led Events
The Afternoon Tea ladies will be running the popular Afternoon Teas at the Methodist Hall, Monmouth on February 9th and March 9th. You can book your place by calling reception on 01600 228660.
Our Commitment
We understand how important the Bridges Centre is to the many services, staff, volunteers, and community members who rely on it. While it is not yet possible to confirm specific reopening dates, we want to reassure everyone that:
- Progress is being made
- All relevant parties remain engaged
- Safety is being treated as the highest priority
- All parties remain committed to progressing the recovery as quickly as possible.
We are committed to sharing updates as soon as clearer information becomes available and will continue to communicate openly as the situation develops.
Thank you for your continued patience, support, and solidarity as we work towards reopening the Bridges Centre.
Team Bridges
