WEYMOUTH'S new 'superloo' is to cost an extra £250,000 - but, as contractors return to site today, there is still no date for completion as it emerges the project has increased in scale despite being hit by a series of setbacks.

Work to transform the former TIC building on The Esplanade into a toilet, lifeguard station, café and office complex began in October 2019, and, as reported, was due to be completed this Easter, costing £400,000.

Construction was paused in March due to the coronavirus lockdown, however Dorset Council admits that further complications at the site mean it is no longer possible to provide an estimated completion date for the project - including the discovery of an asbestos roof, hidden foundations and utilities cables.

Costs have now increased to £650,000 - but the council insists this is not an overspend and is the result of changes to the 'scale and ambition' of the project - although did not explain what these changes include.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "With the current lockdown situation we cannot specify a precise timeframe in which the project will be completed - we had been hoping for an early summer completion prior to lockdown.

"The contractor shut down the site on March 24 in line with their company policy. They now plan to re-commence work; we continue to review how and when we can continue the construction process safely in line with Public Health England guidelines."

The spokesman added: "In 2018, the former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council estimated the costs would be between £370,000 and £424,000.

"The scope and ambition of the project was subsequently increased, resulting in a series of changes to the overall budget. The latest investment approved by Dorset Council brings the total budget to around £650,000.

"In these circumstances, we are doing our best to mitigate any potential additional costs. However, the impact of Covid-19 will need to be assessed in line with the terms of the contract."

Dorset Council said the project has 'regrettably run over time' due to 'the need to replace the asbestos roof;' 'seawall in the way of piling;' 'unknown BT and SSE cables,' and 'hidden foundations under the kiosk,' as well as delays caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

"We are nearly there with these fantastic new toilets that will be a huge improvement for residents and visitors alike," the spokesman added.

As reported, plans approved in June 2019 involved refurbishing and extending the existing Esplanade beach office with a changing room and access to underground toilets and other rooms, including two commercial sales areas - one designed to be a cafe with outdoor seating, and another reportedly to become a new TIC.

The plans also show beach showers outside the building as well as a single storey extension to include a beach kiosk.

Overall the building will add 22 unisex toilets, including accessible toilets, a parent room and family room.

Dorset Council has been asked to provide further details of changes to the scope and ambition of the project.