A NEW restaurant on Weymouth Esplanade has asked for planning permission to replace the roof of its Grade II listed building - after part of the building collapsed onto patrons during its former use as a nightclub.
Brand new Harvey's Bar and Kitchen is opening at the former Boombox nightclub premises at 51 The Esplanade - which was previously Dusk, and one of Weymouth's busiest nightclubs.
The new owners say the entire building must be re-roofed as soon as possible to prevent further damage, and that a structural wall must also be replaced due to water damage from leaks.
The building has been empty since Boombox suddenly closed its doors in 2018.
In 2011, when the building was occupied by Dusk, eight revellers at a foam party were injured by a chunk of masonry coving from the ceiling that collapsed onto the dancefloor.
The historic building is now due to reopen under new ownership - and the new name is a nod towards its former glory in the 18th century, when it was Harvey's Library and Assembly Rooms.
The premises later became the Royal Dorset Yacht Club according to its listing on Heritage England.
The first floor main room is in 'Adamesque detail, with a fine painted fire surround,' the listing states.
Due to its listed status, and its location in a conservation area, new owners must apply for planing permission before carrying out the necessary work to carry out the vital repairs.
A design, access and heritage statement submitted by consultant NT Building Design Limited says: 'The whole of the roof is in a poor state of repair and is leaking in a number of places.
'The long gutter between the two rear pitched roofs has failed and has caused damage to the timber structural timber wall below.
'This application is for the repair of the roof and structural timber wall. The condition of the roof is so poor that the whole of the building will need to be re-roofed.'
Councillors at Weymouth Town Council's Planning Committee are to discuss the issue at a meeting this evening to decide whether or not to register any objection to the proposal before the application goes to Dorset Council for a final say.
An officer's report to the planning committee recommends that members submit a vote of no objection.
Public comments on the application are invited until May 3.
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