Refurbishment of Lyme Regis' Chinese Pavilion hits delays

The iconic pavilion in Langmoor Gardens has been undergoing restoration and replacement - with work beginning around two weeks ago.

As previously reported, Lyme Regis Town Council voted to demolish the iconic structure earlier this year due to issues with anti-social behaviour and its poor state of repair. However, it was forced to backtrack following an overwhelming number of objections from the community.

Initially, the work was expected to take three weeks (ending later this week), but rotten support bases slowed progress, and work is expected to take yet another week before it is completed.

Read more: Work to save the Chinese Pavilion in Lyme Regis begins

Work started around two weeks ago (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

A town council spokesperson said: “Work is continuing on the restoration of the Garden Pavilion but our team has encountered a few issues along the way which has slowed progress.

“The supporting bases were rotten so these had to be replaced but we are now at the stage of re-building. The upright oak beams are going in and one side of the pavilion is nearly complete. The original cast iron guttering has been restored and re-painted.

“The surrounding flower beds have been cleared and will be re-planted in the spring. A memorial strawberry tree had to be removed but we will be planting a new one and the memorial plaque which was formerly on the side of the pavilion will go back on display.

“Due to the initial hold-up, we now expect the work to be completed the week after next.”

Town councillors agreed in October that the pavilion would be officially renamed the Garden Pavilion and a plaque installed with the words ‘For all to rest a while’, both helping to demonstrate its important place within the community.

Read more: 'Landmark' set for demolition amid claims of 'drinking, drugs and urination'

Everything from the roof down will be replaced, using marine ply timber and solid oak posts, the whole structure will be repainted, new benches installed, and a rainwater harvesting tank fitted to supply water for use in the gardens.

Initially, Lyme Regis Town Council anticipated that extensive works to the pavilion were going to cost £35,000, however, campaigners' efforts to find quotes for the job helped to bring the costs down to just £5,000.

The town council’s external works team will clear the plant beds. Volunteers led by lead campaigners  Janette Edmonds and Nigel Williams will then help to replant them in the spring.