Weymouth's residents welcome North Quay demolition

The building overlooking the inner harbour at North Quay has stood derelict for six years now and various plans have been put forward over the years to redevelop the site.

Built in the 1960s and once home to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, it's now known the building will be demolished in the spring of 2024.

The car park is now closed and the site fenced off while an archaeological dig takes place. There have already been some interesting finds from the dig.

Read more: Ruins of bombed pub unearthed in Weymouth 

Dorset Council received planning permission in July to demolish the building and the excavation is the first step in the process.

The 'eyesore' site has been earmarked for a share of a £19.5 million investment as part of Dorset Council’s successful bid for funding from the government's Levelling Up Fund last year.

Once the site is cleared a temporary car park is expected to open shortly afterwards. It is hoped the demolition will enable a comprehensive redevelopment scheme to then be progressed.

With progress finally being made at the site, the Echo asked residents for their thoughts and what they'd like to see there.

Kareen Martin from Weymouth remembers when the office was first built. She said: "It was quite modern when it was first built, but now it is an eyesore.

Read more: Archaeological dig continues at Weymouth's North Quay

"It is good it is going to be demolished, we waited a long time. If they do (what was proposed before), putting a road around the back, and all the frontage, seating and shops that would be great with the view."

Kareen Martin (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Sylvia Shorthouse, 91 from Weymouth said: "It has been such an issue for such a long time, it is a shame it was left so long. Some new shops would be good. Bring things to this side of the town."

Sylvia Shorthouse (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)Mandy Swaelling, 53, from Weymouth never felt that the offices fit in with the area.

She said: "I think it will be nice because it is a very different building from what the others look so it would be good to get something that fits the area.

"I am pleased to see something is finally happening.

"It would be good to have it developed because everything happens on the other side of town, whereas we don't have much here to draw people here.

Read more: More details emerge amid North Quay demolition plan

Martin Clarke, 63, from Dorchester thinks that the area would benefit from some development. He said: "It has been a long time coming, and it needs to happen. It is an eyesore at the moment so I am looking forward to seeing it.

"I think it needs to have a café shop this side of the harbour for residents, some changes for the neighbourhood and something to attract tourists."