COUNCIL leaders hope to throw open the doors of the revamped Bridport Town Hall by the end of the month.

The tourist information centre is due to move into the refurbished ground floor on Thursday, January 19, before the whole complex is open at the end of the month.

The £1.4million project was due to be finished by the end of November but major structural work on the Grade I-listed building has pushed its completion date back.

Town surveyor Daryl Chambers, who has overseen the repairs and restoration of the building, said: “This project has saved the building from what could have been devastating structural failings. “We have worked hard to ensure that the numerous unexpected problems have been resolved without pushing the project over budget or substantially over the timetable for the original work.”

Town clerk Bob Gillis added: “The project hasn’t been straightforward and we have uncovered a large number of unexpected problems.

“The building was structurally in far worse condition than anyone anticipated and it is very fortunate that we have been able to tackle these major problems as part of the project.”

The project has included restoration of the building, access from Bucky Doo Square and a lift. New lighting, heating, and ventilation systems have been fitted and Fra Newbery paintings and murals have been restored. On the first floor there is a new kitchen, toilets, secondary glazing and IT facilities.

Community-based activities have run as part of the project with more than 150 people being involved. Artists have played a key role and have involved schools and community groups.

Activities co-ordinator, Crystal Johnson said: “From the outset we wanted to develop a project that would be of the highest quality and completely unique to Bridport.

“We were very keen to involve both the hugely-talented artists and makers we have in the local area and the local community to create something really special.”

Council leader Martin Ray added: “This project has not been simply about saving an historic building but creating a living building that welcomes everybody and embodies the vibrancy and character of our town.”

The Town Hall will also be available for public and private hire from March 2012 onwards including its exhibition space, council chamber and committee room. Toilets are due to be built in South Street to replace those lost from the ground floor of the town hall.

More efficient to run

THE tourist information centre in Bridport will open on the ground floor of the town hall complex on Thursday, January 19.

West Dorset District Council says the move will save it nearly £10,000 in rent from 2012 to 2013 onwards.

The information centre will provide the same services as before except that it will no longer sell a wide range of goods, books, maps or souvenirs.

West Dorset District Council leader, Robert Gould said: “The move will not only help to make Bridport Tourist Information Centre more efficient to run but also support the town council’s fantastic project to give greater public access to the town hall.”

The centre will promote West Dorset, offering information and the sale of event tickets.

It will continue to run the box office for the Electric Palace and offer accommodation booking and transport services.