CONTRACTORS have been appointed for the next £27m phase of the Brewery Square development in Dorchester.

The next chapter in the regeneration, which includes 15 shops and 134 apartments and penthouses, complement the existing retail, leisure and residential development at the former Eldridge Pope Brewery.

Galliford Try has been appointed main contractor by the Brewery Square Development Company Ltd to take it forward.

Work starts on the £27m contract in April with the first handovers scheduled for next summer.

The first and second phase of apartments are all sold and more than 70 per cent of the commercial space has been let. Businesses already established include Hobbs, Phase Eight, Jones Bootmaker, Gerry Weber and Joules, Odeon, Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Nando’s, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Vivo Lounge and Costa, as well as a Premier Inn and Dorchester’s new NHS Atrium Health Centre. A number of small independent shops have also opened.

More than 200 construction, design, and management personnel will be employed on the site, including a number of trainee and apprentice positions.

Urban regeneration firm Waterhouse and real estate investors Resolution Property continue to invest in the site creating what is described as a ‘vibrant new quarter’ in Dorchester’s town centre.

James Baker of Resolution Property, said: “We are delighted to confirm the go ahead of the next phase of Brewery Square, working with Galliford Try to deliver the long-term vision for the regeneration of this important town centre site as a retail, cultural and lifestyle destination.”

Director of Waterhouse Andrew Wadsworth said: “Brewery Square has brought a vibrant new focus to the county town; a great place to visit for shopping, restaurants and bars and a very convenient place to live and work in ‘the new heart of Dorchester.

“The successful existing retail, restaurants, hotel and beautifully designed apartments speak for themselves.”

Regional Managing Director of Galliford Try Darren Arrekion said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor at Brewery Square, and looking forward to working in partnership with The Brewery Square Development Company on this most prestigious and exciting regeneration scheme.”