WORK is set to begin this year to restore an iconic Bridport building which has been empty for 19 years.

The Bridport Area Development Trust is in the final process of appointing contractors to begin work on the restoration of the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) on East Street.

The Grade 2* listed building has been empty since 1997 and is currently on the national 'at risk' register.

Initial clearing and tidying inside the building has already been completed and architects have carried out further studies and works to help the restoration and redevelopment.

Once the final drawings and costings have been completed, contractors will be confirmed, with the trust hoping to start the main building work on site later this year. In the meantime, the building will be protected to ensure there is no further deterioration to its condition.

Mike Carter, chairman of the LSI working group, said: “Projects of this kind are incredibly complex and we always knew that that LSI was going to be particularly challenging due to the very poor condition of the building and the restricted nature of the site.

"It is a slow process but with continuing support and funding from Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, we remain committed to delivering a project of the highest quality that brings this much loved historic building back into community use.”

Alongside the physical work to the building, a programme of community activities and events is being developed to celebrate the building’s history and its importance to local heritage.

Crystal Johnson, activities coordinator for the LSI project, said: “We have a whole range of different activities planned to involve individuals, community groups and local schools.

"We are working closely with the museum and the town hall to create a joined up approach to telling the story and really celebrating our local heritage. We will shortly be launching an oral history project and would love to hear from anyone who has memories, stories or even little snippets of information about the LSI and its history. "We are also really keen to locate any photographs or documents that will help to tell the story of this special building”.

For more information about the project and future developments, please contact Crystal Johnson by emailing crystal@bridportadt.org.uk.

To make a donation to the project please visit bridportadt.org.uk/donate