POOLE-BASED Greendale Construction has just completed the total refurbishment and extension of the Waterfront Museum - now re-branded as the Poole Museum.

Following the £1.3 million project, the new museum officially reopened its doors to the public on July 14.

The work involved constructing a new steel framed glass entrance atrium, a third floor observation terrace with visitor lounge offering views over Poole Harbour and the old town.

Other work included the removal of the old brick built harbour commissioners building, together with roof pitch alterations.

Its new entrance creates a welcoming space and shows off the interesting historic warehouse building where the main artefacts are displayed.

Local quarried Purbeck stone has been used as floor covering to the main atrium and the external hard landscaping.

The museum's diminishing steel structure provides views of old town Poole and Scaplens Court.

From viewpoints within the museum it also echoes the dynamics of the sail boats and square riggers that used to moor up at the Town Quay.

Director of Greendale's, Rob Hooker said: "We have been very pleased to have been the main contractors on this regeneration project. It was a huge achievement to meet the museum's goals - working with the strict budget constraints.

"I believe we have demonstrated best value undertaking this partnering project with the Borough of Poole."

The museum has been closed during the 21-month refurbishment project and will provide a home for some of the town's most precious and historic artefacts.