Update January 2018

Behind the scenes plans have been gathering momentum to restore West Bay’s former Methodist Church and transform it to become the West Bay Discovery Centre.

We are pleased to announce that after a formal tender process, R & C Building Conservation of Shaftesbury have been appointed as the contractor to deliver the construction-related part of the project. R & C Conservation have plenty of experience of historic and ecclesiastical buildings. They will be working closely with our Project Manager, Daryl Chambers and Architect Kim Sankey of Angel Architecture to repair and adapt the 170 year old chapel so that it will continue to be an iconic landmark feature in West Bay. Building work on the site is planned to commence in early February for 16 weeks.

At the same time we are working with Bristol-based designers Smith and Jones to create an exciting scheme for the interior of the Discovery Centre. It will provide a treasure trove of information for people to explore, both inside and outside the building.

With the structural repairs and the internal works complete, the Discovery Centre is scheduled to open to visitors in mid to late summer.

Once the centre is up and running it will be managed by a part-time paid coordinator but we will be reliant on volunteers to help engage with visitors and guide visitors in their exploration of the Discovery Centre and through it West Bay. We will be launching a recruitment drive for volunteers at the Bridport Community Fair on Saturday 3rd February at Bridport Town Hall. If you wish for further information please do come over and say hello.