DEMOLITION and construction work started on Wednesday on the new £1.1 million Teignmouth Fish Quay.

The scheme includes building a new quay at Gales Hill, and demolishing and replacing the old existing wooden jetty with a new pontoon that will make it easier for boats and charter vessels to dock and access the quay.

Site clearance and preparation work is under way.

This includes relocating boats to the back beach, and offering members of the Teign Fisherman and Watermen’s Association use of an area at Polly Steps for the duration of the works.

Public access to the Fish Quay will be limited during the construction period, although people will still be able to use the public slipway at Gales Hill and will be able to reach New Quay beach from Osmonds Lane.

Due to the nature of the work, some piling work will need to be carried out when the tides allow, and nearby residents will be notified in advance when this will take place.

Teignbridge Council has appointed Interserve, the international support services and construction group, to carry out the work.

Cllr Doug Hellier-Laing, the executive member for economy, skills and tourism, said he was delighted and excited at the start.

‘We’d ask that while work is being carried out, people respect that it’s a construction site and be mindful of any public access restrictions.

‘We’ll continue to keep nearby residents informed about what’s happening and when.

‘Teignbridge continues to take a lead role in this complex, multi-partner development, which will be of huge economic benefit to Teignmouth. The project has been really well supported by the community and it’s going to be interesting to see it take shape.’

Interserve have connections to the Teign estuary having carried out the works for the Environment Agency’s tidal defence schemes for Teignmouth back beach and at Shaldon and Ringmore, as well as works for South West Water at the fish quay.

Paul Barczok from the Teign Fishermen and Watermen’s Association Community Interest Company said they were delighted at the start, which would create real benefits for both the local industry and the wider community.

When completed, the new quay will benefit from a range of amenities, as well as preserving and enhancing the open space of the existing space.

This includes improved landing facilities for better handling and a quicker turnaround for local boats, new and direct access for vehicles, so the catch can be brought to market quicker and in better condition, ice making equipment, a small davit crane and washing areas for fishermen.

Teignbridge Council has invested £232,000 in the project, Devon County Council is providing £450,000 with the European Fisheries Fund providing £443,000.

A Teignbridge spokesman added: ‘Overall the economic regeneration project aims to boost the livelihoods of local fishermen, retain the town’s important fishing heritage and encourage more people to visit Teignmouth by providing landing and recreational facilities for passenger boats’.