TWO modern and brand new shelters have been constructed on Minehead Esplanade - with the majority of locals and visitors apparently welcoming them so far.

The shelters have been made from local and recycled materials and were were unveiled on the seafront last week.

Since they appeared in the town, hundreds of people have had their say about the shelters online, with the vast majority of comments in favour of the structures.

Project-managed by Minehead and Coast Development Trust, construction on the shelters began last November.

Designed by Cerys Dewhaini of Squirrels Architecture, Washford, the shelters will provide extra seating space for residents and tourists visiting the seafront and have also been made to cater for parents whose children are making use of the adjoining play area.

A Minehead and Coast Development Trust spokesman said: “The structures were designed specifically with Minehead in mind and, so they have been positioned to provide protection from the elements while ensuring there are views out to North Hill and the Bristol Channel.

“With a focus on environmental sustainability, the team has made use of locally sourced resources and recycled materials, such as Capton stone from local Williton based quarry. Rustic lock gates from the Kennet and Avon canal between Bath and London have also been re-used to provide unique seating inside and outside the shelters.

“With accessibility in mind, the previously raised flooring has been lowered to ensure the new structures can be used by all members of the community.

“In addition, poems from the 2023 Minehead poetry competition, which celebrates Minehead and the surrounding area, will be featured inside the shelters.

Jim Whittaker, trustee of the MCDT, said: "We were keen to create something that wasn't only useful and effective but also reflective of the rich heritage of our area and its people using local, natural materials, clever and inspiring design, and local, skilled contractors to make it happen.

“We hope that the shelters provide comfort and enjoyment for our community and visitors. Huge thanks to Squirrels Architecture, HTSteel and Walker-Blair Building for such a great piece of work".

The shelters were funded by Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund and by the Coastal Communities Fund, with support from Somerset Council.

After the shelters were unveiled comments from visitors and residents were generally in favour of them although some said they would have preferred a more traditional design in-keeping with the existing shelters.

Zara Aitken, project coordinator for the trust, stated in the trust’s website in October how the project “has been a while in the making due to the pandemic”. She added: “During the design phase, much thought was given to how these shelters might be used by the local community and how the design will create an impressive impact for visitors arriving into Minehead from Seaward Way.

“This has been reflected in the functional design and practical approach, with seating in multiple locations to ensure the structures can be used in all weather conditions.”