Bridges Centre – Update on Restoration Work
Dear friends of Bridges Centre,
Detailed planning, surveys and preparations are continuing behind the scenes to make sure Drybridge House is restored sympathetically and for the long term. Bridges, Monmouthshire County Council, the Council’s insurers and the appointed property professionals are all contributing to that work.
We also want to explain where things currently stand with the timetable. Our previous update stated that we hoped to reopen parts of the building in autumn 2026, followed by a full reopening in spring 2027. Those expectations were based on the information available to us at the time.
It is now clear that a partial reopening this autumn will not be possible. We also cannot yet confirm whether a full reopening in spring 2027 remains achievable. We know how important this information is to our community, tenants, staff, volunteers and everyone who uses Drybridge House, and we do not want to publish another date until there is a confirmed programme in which we can have reasonable confidence.
Drybridge House is owned by Monmouthshire County Council, which is responsible for commissioning and managing the rectification work. Bridges continues to work closely and cooperatively with the Council, but the programme of repairs and the resulting reopening timetable are not within our direct control.
Drybridge House is a Grade II* listed building with a long and complex history. As detailed surveys and investigations have progressed, additional issues have been identified that must be addressed in accordance with modern safety requirements and the building’s protected status. This has added complexity and caused delays that could not have been fully anticipated at the beginning of the recovery process.
The Council has appointed an experienced property project management company to oversee the next phase. Preparations are continuing, but we are still awaiting a detailed and confirmed schedule for the physical restoration work. Once that has been provided and properly assessed, we will share a further update.
Although much of Bridges’ work continues from temporary and alternative locations, the closure has inevitably affected what we can offer. Drybridge House remains unavailable for use by our wellbeing services and community groups, and for room hire, weddings and events. The Pantry café also remains closed. We know how much these spaces and activities are missed, and we share the frustration caused by the prolonged uncertainty.
Our community shop on Monnow Street remains open. Our wellbeing services continue to operate across Monmouthshire, with those normally based at Drybridge House running from temporary premises. We are also developing plans for a temporary town-centre “Welcome to Bridges” base, subject to the necessary arrangements being confirmed. The base would provide an accessible point of contact while Drybridge House remains closed.
We remain wholly committed to returning to Drybridge House and restoring it as a welcoming home for our services and the wider community. Thank you for your continued patience, support and understanding. We will provide further information as soon as we have a reliable programme to share.
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