THE ribbon has been officially cut on the renovated Garden Pavilion in Lyme Regis.
Lyme Regis Town Council has unveiled the newly refurbished structure in Langmoor Gardens, which was saved from demolition following a public campaign to save it.
Town councillors, council staff and the public gathered at the pavilion to watch the mayor, Cllr Philip Evans, cut the ribbon and declare it officially open for public use.
Restoration work began in November to transform the dilapidated pavilion, which was plagued with anti-social behaviour, into a bright and safe space to be enjoyed by the public.
The renovations have included new solid oak posts, marine ply cladding, new benches, a complete re-paint, and a rainwater harvesting tank.
New planting surrounding the pavilion will be implemented in the spring, with the help of the local group who campaigned to save the structure.
The council has worked closely with the campaigners since making the decision to save the pavilion and kept them involved at every stage of the project.
Opening the pavilion, Cllr Evans said: “We know the history of this building, we know it’s been much loved over the years, and we know it fell into disrepair for a long time.
“We decided, because it was being abused so much, that we would take it down, but we listened to the public and took into account what they said and this is the end result of that.”
The mayor gave particular thanks to the council’s outside works’ team and said using the workforce instead of contractors had saved the council and the town thousands of pounds.
He said: “I think if we look at the quality that this is finished in, we are very lucky to have outside staff who can turn their hands to so many skills.
“I hope it will be well used. We know it will be, by visitors and residents, who can sit in these wonderful gardens and look at this wonderful vista. Where else can you do that in the south west?
“It is my pleasure to cut the ribbon for the renovated Garden Pavilion.”
Maintenance operative Steve Hossack, one of the team who carried out the renovations, said: “The finished results are outstanding. I feel proud being part of the team that put it all together.
“I hope it will be respected by the community and well used by all.”