WORK on a £1.75million project to build Bournemouth’s first overnight beach huts is about to start.

The 15 units at Boscombe’s Manor Steps will be akin to miniature holiday homes, with each featuring six beds as well as a shower and toilet.

Approval for the council plan, aimed at attracting more families to the town, was granted earlier this year.

And now the plans will soon become a reality as work begins tomorrow (Sept 6) to install the beach huts.

As well as the beach huts the wider development will also see a new refreshment kiosk installed at promenade level in addition to a small manned beach office. New lighting will be installed along the zig zag path which leads to the beach from Boscombe Overcliff Drive.

As a result of the work the Manor Steps zig zag path will be closed from tomorrow (Sept 6) until the end of October this year whilst the initial major construction work is carried out.

This closure will ensure that members of the public are not put at risk from the construction work and all access to the site will be via Boscombe Pier and Portman Ravine.

Provisions for pedestrian and cycle access will be in place on the promenade.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth Council’s cabinet member for tourism, leisure and the arts, said: “The overnight beach huts offer people more opportunities to enjoy Bournemouth’s beautiful seafront.

"Whilst the improvements to facilities, such as toilets, the new path lighting and kiosk, will benefit people who regularly use the amenities in this area of the beach.”

The scheme is part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s Seafront Strategy, a long term plan to develop a world-class seafront that will enhance the natural assets of the coastline and create public spaces and facilities to inspire new generations of visitors.

However, concerns have been raised by users of existing beach huts in the area – 36 of which are being relocated to make way for the scheme.

Some have complained that they will lose their sea views in the process.

The huts have been designed by Christchurch-based Ecologic Developments – best-known for making beach huts for private clients at Mudeford – and will be delivered fully assembled.

To keep up to date with information on zig zag and promenade access go to bournemouth.gov.uk/manorsteps.