BUILDING work on a new �400,000 building and performance stage in the Strand Gardens is set to begin in January.

BUILDING work on a new �400,000 building and performance stage in the Strand Gardens is set to begin in January.

Exmouth company Paul Humphries Architects Ltd will design the building to replace the old shelter and will include offices, an outdoor performance stage facing the gardens and a public shelter fronting onto Rolle Street.

The new building is also set to house a kiosk, caf� and a relocated Tourist Information Centre.

The �3million regeneration of Exmouth Strand is the result of collaboration between Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Exmouth Town Council with input from the local community and businesses.

Work on the re-development of the Strand started in March. The scheme will improve the town's environment for pedestrians and will create a link to the estuary and seafront.

Councillor Darryl Nicholas, East Devon District Council's Exmouth Champion, said: "I'm delighted that a local company - and one with an impressive design portfolio - has been chosen to take forward this important project. I'm looking forward to seeing their detailed ideas and, of course, to seeing the finished building being delivered in time for the summer of 2011".

Councillor Eileen Wragg, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham and Town, said: "The design was chosen because the materials used will add to the spacious effect which will be created within the Strand. The building will add a modern dimension to the older buildings surrounding the area, with sustainability and conservation at its heart."

Paul Humphries of Paul Humphries Architects Ltd: "We were so excited to be shortlisted for the project so you can imagine how we feel having won the competition!

"It is a great project, and as a local practice we took great pride and care in our submission and feel passionate about the enhancements and Exmouth generally. We hope that it will prove to be a worthy addition to the new strand gardens."

Tony Collins, Exmouth Town Centre Manager, said: "The proposed new building is very exciting and creates a number of opportunities for us within the new Strand area that I hope will become a focus for the town's wealth of culture, arts and entertainment.