Weymouth harbourside improvements finished with benches

Work to improve Custom House Quay, which started in October 2021 is wrapping up and is now 'summer ready'.

The scheme included removing the disused railway tracks and parking spaces, major resurfacing and expanding the walkways.

• READ MORE: Weymouth harbour Shrek path 'wasn't finished'

There are also new benches made of oak and Portland stone.

The majority of the work was completed at the end of May, but the walkway's greenish tint proved controversial with Cllr Louie O'Leary describing it as 'Shrek coloured'.

Dorset Council then apologised for any confusion and said the work wasn't actually finished. It has since been painted a sandy buff colour.

The entire scheme, which includes removal of the railway tracks, was externally funded through various sources including the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Public Health England and cost around £1.8m.

Work by Dorset Council has included:

* Footway next to buildings between St Mary Street and Pilgrims Way widened and new paving slabs laid

* Footway along the harbour side widened and resurfaced

* Footway between Pilgrims Way and the Esplanade renewed

* Fisherman’s ramp near St Mary Street rebuilt

* Kerbing realigned

* New drainage channels installed to the new alignment of the road

* Road resurfaced

* New benches

Some local traders said they were delighted with the improvements, saying it makes the area look smarter and the additional space makes the area more pleasant for pedestrians.

Keith Rupp from Custom House Café said: “They’ve done a really good job on it, and I think it’s fantastic.

"The benches look smart and it's already improving the area, we have been a lot busier because of it.

"I would eventually like to see the harbourside pedestrianised."

Keith Rupp from Custom House Cafe. Picture: Cristiano Magaglio

Roger Allen, restaurant manager for the Quayside Bar and Restaurant, said: "I think it looks nice, visitors love it and it encourages people to take a seat, especially with the new benches."

Quayside retraunt managers Katherine Rupp and Roger Allen with a staff member. Picture: Cristiano Magaglio

Katherine Rupp, also from Quayside Bar and Restaurant said: "We are all for it here. I like the colour; it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.

"They've done a really good job of it and it's had a really big impact, especially with the outdoor seating.

"Hopefully it will help to bring more people to Weymouth."

Katherine Rupp restraunt manager of Quayside. Picture: Cristiano Magaglio

Danielle Moors, the Creative Director of the E-bike Café, said: “The work they have done is great, it’s safer and looks smarter, although I don't like the colour of the pavement at the moment, but I am told it will fade to eventually match the pavement on the other side.”

Danielle Moore, Creative Director at E-bike Cafe. Picture Danielle Moore

A spokeswoman for Dorset Council said: "The goal of the project has been to provide a better mixed-use environment along the harbourside and create a safer space for walking, an enhanced area for outside dining and improved air quality.

"It is hoped that the improvements will benefit all users of the harbour, whether they live here, work here or are on holiday."