Major projects happening in Weymouth

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Dorset Council is proceeding with several projects, works and proposals in the town during 2021.

With millions of pounds being invested into developments around the area, Dorset Councillors said they were keen to demonstrate their commitment to Weymouth through actions that will improve and enhance locations around the harbour, town and seafront.

Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project

Dorset Council is working to bring a disused area of the harbour into full use in a bid to safeguard local fishing, charter and harbourside businesses.

It will also provide access to the waterside for the local community and visitors to the area.

The project includes:

• Creating a walkway from the Weymouth Bay side of the peninsula to the harbourside, connecting the beach to the harbour

• Toilets and showers for harbour users

• Improved office and storage space for the Harbour Authority

• Fuel facility

• Harbour wall repairs

Demolition works on the peninsula have recently begun - the project is set to be completed by the end of 2021.

Weymouth Station Gateway

The council is planning a major facelift for the area around Weymouth train station to make it a more welcoming and user-friendly place for visitors and residents.

The preferred design option has now been approved by a range of partners, following a consultation last year.

Dorset Council is also discussing the opportunity to create a small park that recognises Weymouth's railway heritage including part of the old harbour tramway.

The Weymouth Station Gateway is a partnership project, led by the Dorset Coast Forum, and funded by the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund with additional funding from Dorset Council, Weymouth BID and Weymouth Town Council.

Weymouth Harbour proposals for Custom House Quay

Residents have until February 24 to have their say on proposals.

The scheme includes a cycle lane; widening of pavements, and enhanced sitting out areas, which would see the removal of free parking spaces in order to reduce traffic and improve air quality.

Dorset Council says that early indications show broad support for the scheme - which aims to balance the needs of harbour users, residents, businesses and visitors.

However concerns have been raised about the proposed contra-flow cycleway, potential for increased anti-social behaviour and questions around revised speed limits in the area.

Feedback from the survey will be considered by the council before any changes are confirmed, with formal consultation to follow if required.

To find out more and have your say visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads-highways-maintenance/highway-improvements/weymouth-harbourside-survey.aspx

Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Scheme

The council is working to protect the town from coastal flooding and erosion by rebuilding and raising the harbour walls and esplanade sea defences.

The huge scale of engineering works will require investment in excess of £115 million from multiple sources. Around a quarter of this would be funded by Dorset Council and agreed as projects come forward for approval.

A business case is being put together to attract central government funding.

North Quay former MFA Bowl sites in the town centre

As reported, the council recently unveiled plans for luxury flats at the derelict former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council offices, and affordable flats at the former bowling alley in Weymouth town centre.

It would see an attractive 72-home complex being built in place of the empty office block, in a prime spot adjacent to Weymouth Marina - while 59 flats of varying sizes would be built at the former bowling alley in St Nicholas Street.

Residents have until February 28 to have their say on the proposals.

To find out more and take part in the consultation visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/north-quay

Old Castle Road

Part of Old Castle Road was facing collapse due to coastal erosion which would cut off around 94 homes. Dorset Council has been working with a private landowner in a project to stabilise landslide next to the highway - and work has now begun to shore up the road and prevent further landslides.

Picture: Stuart Morris

New children's home at 45 Dorchester Road

An empty building is being turned into a home for up to five children and young people who cannot live with their parents. The building will be improved and transformed into a centre to help children as they first come into care. A team of dedicated professional staff will provide the support and care they need.

Pinemoor Close allotments

The allotments are almost ready for public use after the council cleared the abandoned patch of land. A total of seven allotments will be allocated on a first come first served basis, with the process being managed by Weymouth Town Council.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: “When Dorset Council was launched in April 2019, we wanted to ensure that it would be an organisation that delivers for the people of Weymouth. Residents want to see actions, not just words, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

"By working with different partners and securing funding from different sources, we have begun a series of projects and proposals that will see record amounts of investment in Weymouth and deliver exciting developments that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors.

"We are listening and we are learning. We understand that some people are sceptical because of previous failings by former councils - those days are in the past and, by working together, we can achieve great things in the future for Dorset’s biggest town.”