THE new-look Shelter Hall on Brighton seafront is taking shape.

Passersby can now see the emerging new structure from the road for the first time.

The historic building, at the bottom of West Street, is being reconstructed at a cost of £12 million. Once finished it will include a restaurant and double the commercial space of the original, earning revenue which could contribute to the future upkeep of the seafront.

Work began in 2015 with an initial government grant of £9 million. However, Brighton and Hove City Council has estimated the total cost to be in the region of £19 million. The junction above the Shelter Hall, where West Street meets the A259 seafront road, will also be remodelled to improve safety and the environment.

The listed wooden kiosk which was on the upper prom is being rebuilt and installed on the seafront near East Street.

The projected completion date is autumn 2019, although this could be delayed as working with old buildings and unchartered ground is unpredictable.

The hall dates back to the 1880s and was built to support the upper promenade and the highway.