BREWER'S Quay in Weymouth has been put up for sale after the development company that owns it went into receivership.

But the building could be in the hands of a new owner this spring according to estate agents.

'For sale' signs went up on the former brewery in Hope Square early yesterday morning - but were removed several hours later.

The building has been put up for sale by administrators who have stepped in after developer Versant (Brewer's Quay Ltd) went into receivershipon February 22.

It is being marketed by Savills estate agent, which describes the building as 'a mixed used development opportunity comprising three parcels of land and buildings located close to Weymouth Harbour.

'Planning permission granted for conversion of a Grade II listed former brewery and additional new build development.'

The deadline for preoperative buyers to submit an offer is 12 noon on Friday May 14 2021.

Paul Spong from the development team at Savills Wimborne said: “Brewers Quay offers a fantastic opportunity to bring a landmark building in the historic quarter, back to life.

"The proposed development scheme, which is close to the harbour, will provide new residential and commercial accommodation and a new venue for the Weymouth Museum. We expect there to be a lot of interest in this exciting and unique property.”

Versant bought the building in 2016 and announced plans to turn it into 24 apartments and 11 town houses.

The developer also said it would build 12 two bedroomed apartments and six town houses at land nearby - the 'Brewers Reach' development.

But the project did not start and the iconic Victorian Grade II listed building has fallen into a state of decay having been derelict for years.

Hope Square resident Barry Whettingsteel, who owns the Crow's Nest restaurant and the Secret Garden café with his partner Emma, noticed the 'for sale' signs yesterday morning.

Mr Whettingsteel said: "We're very sad to see our suspicions finally come true.

"Versant assured everyone time after time that this project was going ahead, only to leave it in a worse state than when they took over.

"A once beautiful building has been left to fall into disrepair which negatively impacts the entire area of Hope Square."

It comes after Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council contacted Versant in December 2020 to demand that urgent action be taken to repair the crumbling building.

Dorset Council said at the time it was considering taking legal action over the issue - and the authority has now renewed its pledge to ensure maintenance work is carried out.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "There have been several changes with Brewers Quay recently with regards to circumstances and we are aware that Brewers Quay is to be marketed.

"Dorset Council is still proceeding with the service of the notices and all parties involved are aware of the situation that urgent works and maintenance has to be undertaken to the building."

Versant (Brewers Quay) also owns two private car parks in the town - at Newberry Gardens and Newton's Cove.

  • Versant has been contacted for comment.

For more information about the sale contact Savills Wimborne on 01202 856800