THE restoration of an iconic Weymouth town centre building - which could be home to a Jurassic Coast museum - could be finished by the end of the year.
In April, the Echo exclusively revealed the Old Rectory building on St Thomas Street was to be restored to its 'former glory'.
Formerly The Clipper pub, the Grade II listed building was bought by local developers DJ Property after being left derelict since 2013.
An adjacent building, formerly the Body Shop was also acquired by the firm at the same time.
READ: Historic Rectory building to be brought back to life
A restoration project then began and property developer Mickey Jones has now revealed the building will be ready for use by the end of the year.
He said: "Our efforts have saved the structure from terminal decline, and we aim to have the building watertight and ready for winter by the autumn.
"Work on the interior design will follow, and we are continuing our talks with Jurassic Coast Trust, who are progressing their funding.”
READ: Hope for Jurassic Coast museum and centre in Weymouth
As reported, in December 2023, the Jurassic Coast Trust had completed a feasibility study into the creation of a potential new World Heritage Visitor Centre and Museum on the Jurassic Coast, with Weymouth being identified as a possible location.
The trust had also revealed that construction works could get underway for an unknown site in the town within a two-year period and at an estimated cost of £5 million.
It was subsequently revealed to the Echo that the old Rectory building was its desired location.
READ: Rectory could become Jurassic Coast museum
The trust remains in discussion with DJ Property about establishing a museum within the 18th century building but is still finalising funding.
Lucy Culkin, CEO of The Jurassic Coast Trust outlined the significance of World Heritage status the region holds at a seminar with the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.
Alongside Sam Scriven, principal officer for Wolrd Heritage she highlighted the economic impact the 95-mile stretch of Jurassic Coast has, generating £111 million annually.
She said: "The Jurassic Coast Partnership Plan 2020-2025 sets out our
shared vision and management framework.
"Part of that work is improving access to important finds and we aim to bring the Jurassic Coast Collection into public view, in a prime visitor location.
"We are seeking funding and in talks with DJ Property regarding The Rectory.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel