£50,000 has been awarded by central government through the Coastal Revival Fund. The money is to repair and redecorate seven Grade 2 listed Esplanade Shelters. Made from cast iron and dating back to Victorian times, these shelters are an important part of Weymouth’s heritage.
What will happen?
The works will include:
- blasting off existing paint
- carrying out repairs to the ornamental ironwork
- timber repairs to seating
- roofing repairs
- replacement of damaged glazed panels
- All graffiti will be cleaned off the glazed panels and existing seating
The shelters will be fenced off from the main Esplanade whilst the works are carried out to ensure public safety.
How will it be paid for?
The £50,000 will cover the cost of the majority of the works. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will cover the rest, plus the cleaning and public protection element of these works.
Why is it important?
The works to improve the shelters add to works already carried out to improve the public realm along The Esplanade. These include repairs and repainting to the Georgian bathing machine and Victorian Jubilee clock. It’s part of the borough council’s commitment to improve public realm throughout Weymouth. These include projects such as the sculpture trail and artist led lighting installationsalong The Esplanade (funded by a previous round of the Coastal Community Fund).
Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “Following the great news last week that we have passed the critical first stage in a £3.5m bid to the Coastal Community Fund to support the growth and development of Weymouth this is further confirmation that the work of the Council – with the support of local organisations – to make a strong case to MP Jake Berry is being rewarded. Following our visit to Westminster and the follow up trip by Jake and his civil service team to the Borough in the summer this is another demonstration that we are being recognised as a community driving forward a positive agenda to become a vibrant and dynamic all year round destination. This urgently needed work enhances the wonderful heritage of the town will helps to grow our visitor economy and I am sure will delight local residents”
Coastal Communities Minister
Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to kick start the restoration of 25 important sites up and down our Great British coastline.
“From Whitehaven to Weymouth, we’re saving some of the nation’s most cherished coastal heritage assets and landmarks from falling into disrepair. The Coastal Communities Fund also helps regenerate our coastal communities and support them to grow by bringing these sites back to life and making them the focal points of their communities once more.
“It’s all part of our plan to invest nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in our seaside areas by 2020, providing thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities up and down the Great British Coast.”
