THE Brewers Quay attraction in Weymouth has reopened to the public after it closed two years ago.

Shoppers flocked to the complex in Hope Square after it threw open its doors yesterday morning.

Visitors browsed an antiques emporium and dined at Italian restaurant Il Porto, which are part of the first phase of the refurbishment project.

Paul Cartlidge, one of the directors of the emporium, said: “It was an excellent day.

“We are really pleased with how it went and there was a steady flow of people throughout the day.

“There’s been a lot of hard work over the last couple of months but it’s definitely been worth it now.

“We have 55 dealers here selling retro items, antiques, collectables, furniture and a really good vinyl selection.

“Brewers Quay is a brilliant venue, as a listed building it really lends itself to this sort of thing.”

The former Victorian brewery has been closed since February 2011.

The reopening follows on from the pop-up bar Salt and shops in the building during the Olympics.

Trader Anna Ledsham, who sells restored furniture and vintage items, said she is happy to be part of the reopening.

She said: “The opening day was great and there were a lot of people having a look around.

“It’s nice to have the building open again, it’s an amazing setting.

“It’s so interesting here there’s so much to see.

“The communal setting is perfect for traders and shoppers.”

Brewers Quay was closed in 2011 to begin an ambitious renovation project worth £15million, which originally included a hotel, flats, a wet weather tourist attraction, shops and restaurants.

It was hoped the work would be completed in time for the Olympics, but the deadline was pushed back.

The partners are in discussion with Weymouth Museum Trust, and have pledged to offer it long-term security after its current lease expires in 2014.

Giuseppe Pedaci, manager of Il Porto restaurant, said: “This is our soft opening and we will be having an official opening event on Friday, April 12.

“We have another restaurant in Poole and are really happy to be able to expand to Weymouth.

“Brewers Quay is such a great site.

“We love the building and it’s a great location with the harbour on our doorstep.

“We are keen to use local producers as much as possible and are hoping we can use local fishermen for our fish counter.

“It’s really exciting to be part of this project and we’re keen to work with local companies and residents as much as possible.

“We’ve taken on a number of local employees but are still looking for waiting staff to work in our bubbly, friendly atmosphere.”

Owneres Brewers Quay Investments LLP said there are plans for the attraction to include a military museum, cafe and offices.

Alastair Ross, a partner at Brewers Quay Investments LLP, said: “We are extremely pleased about the reopening of Brewers Quay.

“The project is going well.

“Il Porto is an Italian restaurant offering a fabulous range of traditional Italian dishes with a range of fresh fish daily, steaks and more traditional Italian favourites.

“The Antiques Emporium, which opened on Thursday, offers over 40 stalls and a wide range of antiques and collectables and an in-house cafe.

“There will be more announcements over the coming few weeks and Brewers Quay are pleased to be playing their part in re-energising Hope Square and ensuring that the Square will re-establish itself as the place to visit and eat in Weymouth.”