Dates for the demolition of the old council offices at North Quay in Weymouth have been announced.

The building overlooking the inner harbour 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, Dorset Council received planning permission in July to demolish the building after an archaeological excavation.

News of the demolition has been welcomed by Weymouth residents who have said it is 'about time' that it is removed.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Property and Assets, said: “Following a decision by Dorset Council’s Southern & Western Planning Committee, to permit the demolition of the former borough council offices, a number of interested parties have requested further information on the timetable for these works to be completed.

"Therefore with everything now in place, we hope the publication of these details will be welcomed.”

Here's the schedule for the demolition of the former council offices at North Quay.

• Archaeology excavations to be completed by November 15, 2023.

• Planning conditions discharged by November 20, 2023.

• Services disconnected, removal of internal materials etc - November 13 to December 1, 2023.

• Main building demolition - December 4, 2023 to January 15, 2024

• Temporary car park reinstatement from February 13 to March 28, 2024

These dates may be subject to change and severe weather may disrupt the programme slightly.

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

Mayor Cllr Kate Wheller said: “I was disappointed that they were not able to repurpose the building but I am glad they are getting on with it once the decision was made to knock it down and I hope they actively seek a developer as soon as possible.”

North Quay is one of three key sites in Weymouth which have been earmarked for a share of a £19.5m investment boost following the council’s successful bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund last year.

It is hoped the funding will kickstart economic growth in the town by investing in and regenerating what the council has described as 'Weymouth’s Waterfront Economy'.

The estimated cost of demolition and site clearance had been put at around £3million in recent years although the council has not provided an updated figure. Much of the cost is expected to be met by a Government grant.

Similar demolition plans for the site in 2019 were withdrawn after a majority vote by the council’s area planning committee found it to be unacceptable because it “did not encourage the reuse of existing resources,” and was therefore contrary to national to local planning policy.