Work starts next week to return the centrepiece of a
public square in Weston-super-Mare to its former
glory.
The historic Coalbrookdale fountain, known as the Boy and
Serpent, has been a feature on the Beach Lawns since at least 1905,
but it is due to be taken away to be refurbished as part of the
Pier Square project.
The fountain will be removed and then carefully cleaned,
repaired and restored by Dorothea Restorations, a specialist
restoration firm based in Bristol.
Once finished, it will become the focal point of Pier Square,
the area of two lawns and surrounding roads between Carlton Street
and the Grand Pier which is in the process of being remodelled.
The main work for the area’s revamp starts this month and is due
to be completed in the summer.
New roads and landscaping are being introduced which will make
the area more pedestrian-friendly, create better leisure space,
encourage people to walk between the seafront and town centre, and
increase trade for local businesses.
Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader, said of the scheme: "The
fountain is intended to provide the centrepiece to this new
distinctive and accessible public space linking the town centre
with the seafront.
"In addition to the restoration of the fountain, high-quality
materials and planting will be used throughout to increase the
attractiveness and durability of the space. The main material for
the hard landscaping will be granite, which will complement the
granite currently being used for the new surface of the
promenade.
"We have consulted widely on these plans, including the North
Somerset Disabled Access Group, and have been very encouraged by
the public support thus far. I think this project will truly be the
highlight of the multi-million pound works being carried out along
the seafront and will help to totally change the look and feel of
this area in a very positive way."
Seafront businesses in the town are trading as normal while the
project work is carried out.
