Date published: 6 August 2026
Wychavon has renewed its commitment to protect and see the former Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa restored almost one year on from the devastating fire that tore through the historic building.
New drone images released by Wychavon reveal the scale of the damage done by the flames, which ripped through the Grade II listed building on 10 August last year.
Wychavon has spent months pushing and pressing owner Live Urban Two to fulfil their legal responsibilities to complete priority works to protect the building and the public. As no meaningful action was taken, Wychavon last month secured a court order requiring the owner to follow a legally binding timetable to make the building safe and prevent further deterioration.
The order requires a programme of works, including securing the site, seeking advice from Historic England and the council before demolishing unsafe parts of the building, and weatherproofing and preserving the historic sections of the hotel. Crucially, if the timetable is not met, the court order gives Wychavon the power to step in, carry out the work itself and recover further costs from the owner.
Pictured: An overhead shot of a fire damaged Raven Hotel
The first step was for the owner to seek pre-application advice from Wychavon and Historic England about the demolition work by Friday 10 July, which has been met. A fresh structural survey is now being prepared with an application for Listed Building Consent expected by the autumn. If granted, demolition work would begin shortly after. Once the demolition has been completed, and what remains of the building secured, the road will be reopened.
The owner has appointed a project manager who is working positively and closely with Wychavon’s conservation and heritage team. Progress against each stage of the court order is being closely monitored. Initial inspections by Historic England in the aftermath of the blaze suggested historic parts of the building could be saved, but this will only be confirmed once the site can be fully accessed.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: "The fire was devastating and I know rocked the town. This building has been an ever-present image of Droitwich Spa and truly part of our heritage. I, along with other Droitwich Spa councillors have been pushing for action and appreciate the hard work of our officers who have been working in challenging circumstances.
“We’ve released these drone images as a reminder of the scale of the challenge, but also why we’re determined and pushing for action to secure the Raven’s future.
"We promised residents we would use every legal power available to us to protect this historic building and that's exactly what we've done. Securing the court order was a lengthy and detailed process involving partners, suppliers, planning and legal teams.
But it is a major step forward that finally gives us the assurances action will be taken. We'll continue holding the owner to account at every stage of the timetable. If the commitments made to the court are not met, we will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to protect this important part of Droitwich Spa's heritage.”