HOPES have been raised for the future of Weymouth’s decaying Brewers Quay site as it emerged that the building has been sold to a property developer.

As reported, the former Victorian Brewery at Hope Square went on the market after its owners, property developer Versant Ltd, went into administration in March this year - having previously secured planning permission to redevelop the historic site into luxury homes.

The building was put up for sale with Savills - and Dorset Council has confirmed Blakesley Estates as the new owners.

The council has been in the process of preparing a bid for funding from the Government’s Levelling Up scheme to fund a regeneration project.

Dorset Echo:

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: “We have been in contact with the new owners of Brewers Quay, Blakesley Estates.

“We and they are keen to work closely together to bring the building back into use. As part of Dorset Council’s submission to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, we are proposing to utilise part of the Brewers Quay building for community use, to promote economic growth in Weymouth.”

Prior to Dorset Council’s statement, issued yesterday evening, news of the sale came as a major blow to local campaigners who were fighting to save the iconic red brick building.

READ MORE:

Jane Collison, one of the organisers of the Save Brewers Quay campaign, said: “I’m very disappointed - but not surprised. The building has been registered as an asset of community value but I don’t know if that will make any difference this time around. I hope I’m proved wrong and that the developers will work with Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT) and other community groups to give something - not just more flats - to the town.”

Another local campaigner, Paul Sherry, had set up a company, Brewers Quay Community Ltd, with plans to offer interested members of the community the opportunity to buy shares in the building in a bid to retain at least part of it for residents’ use.

He said: “I’m not going to stop and just lay back - I’m going to fight.

“I’m trying to get hold of the developer to see if we can work together for the community - rather than just throw in the towel.”

  • Blakesley Estates has been contacted for comment.