FINISHING touches are underway at a historic landmark in Bridport.

Four years after the reopening of the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) in East Street, repairs have started to fix an outstanding issue.

The issue was the finish of the lime render applied to the west gable wall of the LSI. The work is funded by Historic England and is scheduled to be finished before Christmas. The building will remain on Historic England’s At Risk Register until the repairs are finalised.

The Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) in East Street reopened in 2018 following a project undertaken by a team of volunteers. The Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT) began the project in 1997 to restore the Georgian building for the economic, social and cultural benefit of the town.

When the building was reopened King Charles, then of his previous title the Prince of Wales, unveiled a plaque commemorating the refurbishment of the LSI on Friday, May 25 2018 in what was his maiden visit to the town.

The project was carried out to repair and extend the building with funding supplied by the National Lottery Heritage Fund support as well as grant aid from Historic England.

A spokesperson for BADT said: “The Trust would like to thank both the neighbouring Unitarian Chapel for their cooperation over this period and Historic England for their continued expertise and financial support in concluding this final element of work on the LSI.”

The building was originally founded in 1835 as a Mechanics Institute and before it was reconstituted in 1855 as a Literary and Scientific Institute.

Among the new facilities at the institute include hot desks with access to fast Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities, including free tea and coffee, a training and meeting room with flexible seating and a conference kit and TV, perfectly equipped for training, presentations and meetings, a courtyard, perfect for talks, performances, festivals, pop-up events and more, a podcast and editing suite as well as a fully equipped professional kitchen.

For further information on how to book out any of the facilities at the institute visit their website at https://www.lsibridport.co.uk/, or check out their Facebook page for the upcoming events.