Noticed anything different about East Street lately? 

Work to restore Bridport’s iconic Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) is back on track and scaffolding has been taken down around the site – much the relief of pedestrians and nearby business owners. 

Scaffolding and road hoardings went up around the site in August last year and had been due to remain up for 53 weeks. 

However, due to complications, the finish date was postponed until now. 

LSI centre manager, Michele Morgan, said: “The hoardings around the pavement in front of the LSI have now been removed and the pavement was opened up to the public last week. 

“The hoardings have been re-used to protect the well in front of the lower ground floor, and the new Portland stone pier, which has been installed ready to receiving the new railings. It is planned that the barricades will be removed and the road will be re-opened to traffic from this Sunday.”

The news will come as a relief to surrounding business owners. 

The Pickled Ginger, next door to the Grade 2* listed building, saw a noticeable impact on trade, said owner Chris Smith.

“It’s had a massive effect on us,” he said. “During the day we noticed a lack of customers. I think we were all struggling nearby. Things are picking up again now. We know it had to happen but I guess we are all glad it’s gone now.”

Before building work began, the LSI had been empty since 1997 and was even placed on the national ‘at risk’ register.

Once fully refurbished the LSI, scheduled to open at the end of January, will be home to permanent, temporary and drop-in working facilities as well as event, training and meeting spaces.

A new café geared to the working day, which will be run by the Bridport Area Development Trust, and a covered courtyard will be open to the public. A training and education room will house touchscreen and AV facilities and seats for up to 30 people in a lecture style environment. A programme of community activities and events is being developed to celebrate the building’s history and its importance to local heritage.