AFTER six months of hard work Lush in Bournemouth opens its doors again today after it closed earlier this year for a major refurbishment.

The store in Old Christchurch Road was due to reopen at the start of the summer, but work has been delayed for several months because of problems with the building.

A decade after Lush Bournemouth first opened, the new look shop has been restored to the original design of the building from the 19th century, which involved almost six weeks of external masonry work by local skilled craftsmen who referenced historic images and original architectural sketches throughout the construction.

A beautiful new shop front and new glazing has also been installed in all of the archways in keeping with the traditional design of the building.

Senior store designer at Lush, Melody Morton, said: “Unfortunately, removing the 70’s facade revealed a lot of damage to the stone and so we instructed a master mason to repair all the external stonework.

“We also commissioned new windows, which have been handmade locally to match the sketches, and uncovered the original ceiling details, which were previously covered by a lowered ceiling.

“Undertaking a large restoration project on a historic building is always a big challenge but we are very happy with the final result and can't wait for our customers in Bournemouth to see it.”

Along with all of the current product ranges, from hair care and bath to skin care and shower, Lush Bournemouth will be only the fourth shop in the world to offer customers the new full range of Emotional Brilliance make-up.

Speaking at the opening party last night co-owner Rowena Bird said she was thrilled with the new store and also to be introducing the firm’s make-up range to Bournemouth.

“There are so many wonderful products to choose from – including our 50 Shades of… lipstick range,” she added.

“We are very passionate about our products at Lush and we can’t wait to share that with our Bournemouth customers.”

Store manager Bethan Watts also praised the new make-up addition to the store as well as the make-up table which is made out of recycled yoghurt pots.

“The firm has invested so much in this shop and I’m so excited to be at the helm,” she added.