FIVE years of planning and construction work will reach its conclusion with the official opening of the redeveloped Marine Parade Shelters next week.

Lyme Regis Town Council embarked on the project in 2006 and construction work finally got underway in September last year.

The £1.32 million project will transform the old concrete shelters into revamped community space and facilities, including shops, a market area, a performance area, and a new Central Pavilion.

The iconic shelters will be officially reopened on Saturday, July 9 with a whole day of events planned to mark the momentous occasion.

Events start at 10am when Town Mayor Sally Holman will lead a civic procession from the Guildhall to the shelters.

The restored War Memorial Clock on the Central Pavilion will be re-dedicated, led by the president of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, Cecil Quick.

The commemorative stone that marked the opening of the central steps inside the original shelters by the then mayor William Emmett has been relocated.

This stone will be unveiled by Mr Emmett’s family, including town councillor Michaela Ellis, also a former town mayor.

Coun Holman will perform the ribbon cutting in front of the pavilion at 11am, accompanied by Woodroffe School head girl Robyn Lewis, and St Michael’s Primary School pupil Samuel Sims.

There will be entertainment throughout the day from local music acts and at 12.45pm the seafarers of Lyme will play their part by gathering in their vessels off the Front Beach for a sail past and a salute taken by harbourmaster Grahame Forshaw.

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee has organised a balloon launch for 5pm, and ArtsFest artists will be in the Lister Room during the day demonstrating their art techniques and this year’s festival.

Programme of events

10am – Civic procession from the Guildhall to the Marine Parade Shelters

10.30am – Rededication of the War Memorial Clock and the unveiling of the relocated commemorative stone

11am – Official ribbon cutting ceremony

From 11am – The Central Pavilion will be open as an interpretation and information centre

From 11am – ArtsFest artists will be demonstrating their art techniques in the Lister Room

From 11am – Mini market of food and crafts in the market area

11.30am – Songs performed by the children of St Michael’s Primary School

Midday – Lyme Voices community choir

12.45pm – Sail past and salute

1.15pm – B Sharp drumming performance

2.30pm – Lyme Regis Town Band

4pm – Lyme Regis Youth Theatre

5pm – Balloon launch

5.30pm – Lyme Regis Majorettes

7pm – Mary Lands Pure Dirt Band