HISTORIC buildings and shelters on Weymouth seafront may be in line for a £565,000 facelift.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has pledged the cash towards improving listed buildings on the Esplanade and in the Park District subject to a bid from the council being successful.

It has given Weymouth and Portland Borough Council £25,000 to draw up the bid by October, 2005, before it makes a final decision.

Brian Ellis, chairman of the council's management committee, said: "This grant offer is a significant boost for the area.

"It demonstrates the council's commitment to continuing the regeneration of the borough and building upon successes such as the World Heritage Site and the prospect of the 2012 Olympics."

He added: "Improving the seafront is an important part of our overall strategy.

"This lottery grant invested is to be spread over a number of years and the required match funding identified as a priority in the council's capital programme.

"This lottery grant money has been won through national competition and the pledge of this funding is very positive and a success for the area."

The council's management committee will consider a report on the project in early December.

Staff scooped the £25,000 to develop the bid after an initial, so-called 'phase one' bid was lodged in May of this year.

Coun Lynne Herbert, council spokesman for economy and regeneration, said: "This is excellent news.

"It is recognition of both the outstanding heritage of Weymouth's seafront and the hard work which has been put into the bid so far.

"We will now be developing the detailed phase two bid as a priority.

"This project will be very much a new partnership with local people and building owners."

She added: "Publicity and consultation will be taking place.

"Enhancement of the public elements such as the historic shelters and lighting will also be part of the project."