WATER play fountains are up and running in Pier Approach as the £4 million revamp project nears completion.

The fountains were being tested yesterday as part of their installation process, however there is no clear date when they will be open to the public.

The construction area is still blocked off as workmen add the finishing touches to the new-look paving and benches, while the steel leaf structures are beginning to take shape as what Bournemouth council describes as a "landmark" tourist information kiosk.

See pictures of how the work at Pier Approach has progressed over the past few months 

Glass panel walls have been installed with the internal fixtures to follow.

Bournemouth council says the work will be complete "ahead of the summer season" despite delays reported earlier this month.

The authority's tourism director Mark Smith said: "The site will be opened up in stages starting with the newly paved area around the water play feature, the Undercliff Drive, the east cliff slope, the open shelter and finally the new information kiosk.

"Once phase one is finished, Pier Approach will begin to present a contemporary gateway from the Gardens to the seafront which will attract families and visitors to the water play feature and the vibrant atmosphere, while at night the area will be lit up by colourful low-energy displays.

"Bournemouth council has funded these improvement works on the eastern side of Pier Approach to underpin the tourism economy at a cost of £4 million.

"A future phase of work for the western side of the Pier will follow as funding allows."

The project includes specially-designed paving laid around the water play feature to create the illusion of the Bourne stream flowing from the Gardens to the sea once again.

Two 25 metre high lighting columns have been installed either side of the Pier Entrance building with seven metre columns also in place.

The work was originally due to be completed in the spring this year but was delayed.

Earlier this month the council's cabinet member for tourism councillor Lawrence Williams said the construction was an "attraction" in itself, with the bulk of the work having been completed and only "tidying up" remaining.