A NEW seafront development taking shape is expected to boost private investment in Weymouth.

And a senior councillor has welcomed the project, which will be the first new building reflecting Georgian style to spring up along the seafront for many years.

Howard Legg, who is Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s special projects spokesman, made the comments as the development, at 57a, the Esplanade, begins to take shape.

The site was previously home to a recycling area.

Site owners McClintocks Ltd, which is working together with Matthews Developments Ltd and agents Sibbett Gregory, hope to create a mixed use building with space for a shop or cafe, and several apartments.

Councillor Legg said: “We are delighted to see this scheme being developed on the seafront.

“The building, whilst being new, will reflect the character of the Esplanade and its listed buildings and finish off this terrace in a most appropriate manner.”

He added: “The design has been approved following very careful consideration by the council and we look forward to this example of private sector investment complementing other regeneration work we are completing on the seafront in time for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The development is part of the borough council’s plan to regenerate the Esplanade.

The plans for the area, close to Marks & Spencer, were first discussed by councillors in 2008.

Full planning permission was granted in September last year and work is now underway, with the steel frame for the new structure now in place.

Steve Hoskins, of Sibbett Gregory, said: “Despite the negative press surrounding some aspects of the town centre, our clients have shown their confidence in Weymouth by making this significant investment.

“The building is in an excellent seafront trading location, well placed to take advantage of opportunities arising from the 2012 Games, and the apartments’ proximity to the beach will make them very appealing.”

He added: “We already have a number of investor and operator applicants interested in the scheme and expect further strong interest when marketing details are released shortly.”

Weymouth Civic Society also welcomed the development on the seafront.

Mike Martin, chairman of the group’s planning sub-committee, said: “We’re very happy that the end to this important terrace will be restored.

“Although we would have liked to have seen the original window design more closely followed we are very happy with what has been proposed.”