Plans to renovate Wem's derelict Grade II listed White Horse Hotel have moved a step closer.

Shropshire Council purchased the hotel in 2023 and has now appointed Buttress Architects to carry out surveys and an options appraisal of the building.

The renovation plans are happening thanks to a Heritage at Risk grant from Historic England and support from the local community.

The analytical work done by Buttress Architects will give the council the information needed to map out a plan for reopening the building– ensuring its future safety and sustainable use.

Part of the initiative includes an appraisal of different options.

In the coming months, the council will be consulting the Wem community for their input and thoughts on potential developments for the hotel.

Councillor Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council cabinet member for housing and assets, said: "Shropshire Council took the bold decision to buy the White Horse after many years of neglect in order to bring it back into use and create a positive uplift at this important part of Wem high street.

"We are pleased to have received funding from Historic England as it allows us to move the project forward.”

Peter Broomhall and Edward Towers Shropshire councillors for Wem added: "The appointment of architects to begin the survey work of Wem’s historic White Horse Hotel, is an important next step not only in this building’s history but also in the future prosperity of our town.

"We see this regeneration project as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Wem and its surrounding area and a much-needed improvement to the look of our High Street.

"We look forward to hearing the appraisal options coming from the survey and working with the local community to agree a way forward for this historic and prominent Wem building."