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International construction group Interserve has completed the renovation of the former royal summer residence and rural retreat of Queen Victoria for English Heritage at Osborne on the Isle of Wight.

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This is the first time that Queen Victoria’s private beach has opened to the public. The complete renovation project included the refurbishment and extension of the beach pavilion, addition of a cafe, along with WC and changing-room facilities.

Queen Victoria’s restored bathing machine has been relocated with a re-formed foundation and re-laid running rails. Infrastructure to the site now provides electricity, drainage and improved road and walkway access to the beach.

The renovation has also conserved the former glory of the Exedra, a semi-circular recess on the beach used as a seating area by Queen Victoria. Originally featuring blue Minton tiles, the Exedra has undergone a careful cosmetic makeover to minimise blemishes and enhance the original scheme.

Three dolphin-shaped cast iron supports to the alcove’s wooden bench have been recast using the original die found in Osborne’s architectural archives. The structure’s roof has also been restored.

The work also includes the safe demolition of an existing beach house for creating the toilet facilities and changing area to provide beach lifesaving equipment and new signage, and the erection of boardwalks to enable visitors to cross delicate areas of vegetation on what has been formally identified and recorded as being a ‘Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.’