THE first phase of the £1.32million renovation of Lyme’s seafront shelters got underway this week.

The long awaited scheme will see the iconic Marine Parade buildings partly demolished and replaced with new community and visitor facilities.

Project co-ordinator David Gale said he was delighted the project was underway at last.

He said: “ We have made a successful start and we hope to have the works completed in time for the start of next year’s holiday season.”

The first stage of the work is to demolish all the unsafe parts of the existing structure – roof, columns and disused toilet blocks – leaving only the rear ‘scalloped’ wall, dating back to 1900, and the walls of the historic Central Pavilion.

This will be restored to its former elegance to become an information and exhibition facility serving seafront events and providing visitor information about Lyme together with its coastal and rural surroundings.

The covered areas to either side will be rebuilt to give good sheltered seating and viewing enhanced with natural light, improved facilities for performance of music, drama and the arts, space for markets, community events and stalls for local groups and charities, and two retail units.

The basic structure for the two community rooms above, a control room for festivals, and storage areas, are also part of this phase.

Access between Marine Parade and Langmoor Gardens will be enhanced with a platform lift, new paved walkways at garden level and modern glazed balustrading to meet current safety standards.

Achieving the full scheme with all its facilities and functions is being phased to match available funds.

West Dorset District Council is providing a £500,000 20-year loan to help fund the scheme and with grants and town council help the amount needed to be raised locally is about £350,000.

The public appeal to help fund the work has got off to an encouraging start with some £17,500 already in the pot.

The Share in the Shelters scheme gives people the opportunity to own a stake in the project, by sponsoring elements ranging from paving slabs to a community room.

To find out how to contribute telephone Vickie Stickler at the town council on 01297 445175 or visit the website at www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/pages/shelters.htm