TWO major housing developments have been unveiled for Weymouth - including demolition of the eyesore former North Quay council offices to make way for luxury homes.
Dorset Council has renewed plans to create an attractive 72-home complex in place of the empty office block, in a prime spot adjacent to Weymouth Marina.
The council has also revealed proposals for a new affordable housing development in the town centre, at the site of the derelict former bowling alley.
The plans would see a total of around 131 new homes being built across the two brownfield sites.
The North Quay proposal includes a mix of homes - including town houses, flats and coach houses - above two non-residential units and includes residents' parking.
It is is based on designs by Pentreath architects, originally produced several years ago, and aims to recreate the historic look and feel of the old High Street, redeveloping the car park behind the building to create a one-way street through the complex.
In order to maximise the profitability of the North Quay site, affordable homes would not be included - however, to exceed required affordability criteria, the council hopes to redevelop the empty bowling alley and car park at St Nicholas Street - formerly MFA Bowl and Lakeside Bowling.
This brand new proposal for the town centre would see the existing building demolished and replaced with around 59 flats of varying sizes, with the aim of making them sustainable and affordable for locals, designed to fit in with the architectural character of the town centre conservation area.
Also proposed at the bowling alley site is a garden deck, and four non-residential ground floor units which could be used for commercial, community or leisure purposes, with parking space beneath the accommodation.
Dorset Council owns the freehold of the bowling alley site and has acquired an option to purchase the long leasehold interest of part of the site from the existing tenant.
Government criteria for affordable homes at new developments is 20 per cent below the current market rate, capped at £250,000.
Residents, community groups and businesses are now being invited to give their views on the proposals for North Quay and the town centre - and the council is inviting suggestions for the non-residential spaces.
Ideas could potentially include retail or commercial units, community space, or even leisure, arts or museum uses.
Dorset Council will then submit a detailed application for the two sites for planning approval in early summer this year, which would include a formal consultation.
Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, with special responsibility for Regeneration and Development in Weymouth, said: “Everyone agrees that something needs to be done about both the North Quay site and the Weymouth Bowl site.
"I believe we are coming forward with schemes that are positive, viable, will enhance the character of each area, and will contribute to the regeneration of Weymouth. By combining the two sites, we will also be able to deliver more affordable housing.
“Under predecessor councils, the North Quay site has had a chequered history, with a number of abortive developments.
"However, Dorset Council is a new council, and we will work with local people to deliver a scheme for Weymouth. We are keen to engage with local residents, businesses and community groups to bring forward a final proposal with the broadest possible support. Please take a look at the detailed proposals and have your say.”
The former North Quay offices have been empty since June 2017 - costing taxpayers more than £102,000 a year to stand derelict.
The current redevelopment design, produced by Poundbury architect Ben Pentreath, was originally given outline planning permission in 2014 ahead of the former borough council selling the site.
There was no requirement on the buyer to use this plan – and in fact the council selected Acorn South which had planned to convert the offices into 'marina view' apartments - rather them knock them down and build something new.
However, in 2017, the borough council later rejected those plans, saying it had "lost confidence" in the Acorn South scheme.
In 2019 a fresh proposal was submitted for Magna Housing to redevelop the site into a mix of homes for older people, shared ownership homes, small shops, a cafe and a limited amount of parking - but in a surprise move, the Dorset Council application was thrown out by the council’s area planning committee – citing a national planning policy to convert, rather than demolish, older buildings where possible.
- Read more: New proposal for former office block
- Read more: North Quay application rejected by Planning Committee
At the time, several councillors said that the authority had signed up to climate emergency measures and should act according to those principles.
But Dorset Council has since carried out a climate study which indicates the carbon footprint of demolishing and redeveloping the site is similar to converting the current building.
In addition, demolishing and redeveloping the site means that more homes can be built on the site, helping to further neutralise the carbon footprint and reducing the need to develop green land.
The council is now encouraging local residents and businesses to share their views and questions on the proposals, with a closing date of February 28.
The plans and questionnaire are available to view at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/north-quay
You can also view an online presentation outlining the proposals at https://youtu.be/pLpQ7CHGyAE
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel