Work to save Dorset Chinese Pavilion begins

The iconic pavilion in Langmoor Gardens will see restoration where possible, and replacement where necessary.

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.

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

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.

Lead campaigners Janette Edmonds and Nigel Williams met with the council’s operations supervisor Pete Williams at the pavilion last week to hear about the plans for the renovation.

Janette said: “We are so incredibly grateful to the community for supporting the campaign and to the council for listening. It makes all the difference.

“We have seen it as an opportunity and we would like to work together. I haven’t seen as much working together as I would like since the campaign, but if we can do more, that will be the key to making it successful.”

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Nigel added: “This is a lovely spot and collectively and by working together we are keeping the pavilion. It fits so beautifully in the landscape and I’m pleased that we are working together and that we have made a connection.

“Lyme Regis is twinned with Bermuda so it makes sense that those types of plants would enhance the building and its architecture.”

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.

Lyme Regis is twinned with the town of St George in Bermuda (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The work is expected to take up to three weeks and the pavilion will be closed to the public during this time.

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

Cllr Michaela Ellis, chairman of the council’s Town Management and Highways Committee, has welcomed the engagement with the community. She said: “The pavilion clearly means a lot to people in this community, as well as visitors, so it’s important we listen and make the best decisions for the town.

“Our own workforce has the skills required to enhance the existing pavilion and make it a welcoming and inviting place for everyone to enjoy.

“We are also working with the Woodroffe School, whose students will create some artwork to brighten up the inside of the pavilion, in a theme in keeping with the area.

“The council is thrilled to work in partnership with young people and local volunteers on enhancing the pavilion and the surrounding area and we hope once this work is completed, it will be respected and looked after.

“I look forward to seeing the finished project and for the Garden Pavilion to once again become a focal point in the Langmoor Gardens.”