A PUBLIC meeting will take place next week to discuss how the historic Kings Arms hotel in Kingsbridge can be brought back into use.

The meeting, organised by a small group of residents and traders, has been billed as ‘a new vision for the Kings Arms’.

The meeting will examine a range of options for bringing the Kings Arms back to life. Ideas suggested by the organisers include restoring it to use as a traditional coaching inn, turning it into a community centre, or creating a ‘mixed use’ building - with hospitality space on the ground floor, accommodation on the top floor, and a music club and performance space. Another suggestion is to create a shared workspace for small charities or social enterprises.

The meeting will feature several speakers, including district and county councillor Rufus Gilbert and members of the local business community. This will be followed by an open discussion, and the hope of forming a small working group.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: ‘The Kings Arms is currently owned by the Reuben Brothers. Through their charity arm, the Reuben Foundation, they have an impressive history of charitable giving which includes a children’s cancer centre at Great Ormond Street, a youth wing for the Lyric Hammersmith theatre, projects for the Imperial War Museum, the Prince’s Trust and many other good causes.

‘Can we appeal to their best nature and inspire them to work with us to create a vibrant community resource at the top of the town?’

A petition is currently circulating around Kingsbridge, stating: ‘We, the undersigned, request the Reuben Brothers and their agents Motcomb Estates to work with the local community in Kingsbridge, to restore the Kings Arms to its historic role as a focal point in the town, to provide hospitality and meeting facilities for both residents and visitors.’

The meeting will take place at the Crabshell in Kingsbridge, on Monday, February 22 at 6pm.