PROPOSALS for the re-development of Brewers Quay in Weymouth could soon be ready to present to the public.

Director of the tourist attraction Roger Dalton said that he was continuing to meet with planners and representatives of owner Punch Taverns on a fortnightly basis to discuss ideas.

He has also ruled out the possibility of residential accommodation being part of any future work and said that "heavy investment" is still set to take place at the quay before 2012.

Mr Dalton said: "We're still having negotiations with the local authority in terms of schematic developments.

"We are continuing to work with planners from the borough council and continuing to get some good ideas together.

Committed "Ultimately, we're hoping to have a public consultation before the end of the year."

He added: "Punch Taverns are more committed than any of the previous owners.

"They have invested heavily in the site and, of course, are committed to staying here and making the most of 2012.

"Everyone's working really hard and trade is going well, despite the current economic climate.

"It has been a difficult year in some respects but we're clearly looking at opportunities for redevelopment before 2012.

"As the weeks and months go by we're meeting new people with new ideas for the site.

"Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be able to be more open about our plans and have a public exhibition where people can come in and comment.

"We have absolutely no intention of building flats as part of a new development."

Mary Bunney, the director of the quay's Peruvian goods retailer Quipu, said: "I know there are plans to make improvements to the buildings, which is needed, but it's down to finances.

"Trading here is still good, all the units are full and I believe there's a waiting list for units that are coming free.

"The management have very few resources given to them.

"I think they do very well with what they get and deserve a pat on the back."

Jigsaw shop owner David Evans added: "It's going to be hard to quantify, even during 2012, if people will have come in for that reason.

"People will not be walking into the store, saying: "I'm here for the Olympics." It's difficult to see how long the benefits will last here unless developers spend some money on the place."