No date given for electric connection to Weymouth quayside

As previously reported, work started on regeneration to Weymouth Quay in October- the area of harbour land behind the Weymouth Pavilion.

The works were due to take six months, and were supposed to be completed in April. Despite completing a majority of improvements to the quay, Dorset Council said they were reliant on Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) to connect the new facilities to the National Grid so that they can be commissioned.

A spokesperson for the council previously said that this was scheduled for August, and have been left frustrated at the situation, as it awaits a revised connection date.

Now, almost a month later, both parties have yet to confirm a connection date to switch on the power to the area.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “We are in constant dialogue with SSE and as soon as it has been agreed, we will share a definite connection date with our stakeholders.”

Aerial view pf the quayside regeneration (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) A spokesperson for SSE previously said that the company is waiting for land rights to be granted to that the project could be completed, and have stuck by their comment following an approach from the Echo.

It has been designed to create new facilities for fishing, charter and harbourside businesses, in a bid to improve the public space.

The improvements are thanks to a grant of £3.79m which was awarded to the then Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, in partnership with Weymouth Area Development Trust, in March 2019 from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project zoned areas (Image: Dorset Council) The bid was submitted on behalf of the Weymouth Coastal Community Team. The pavilion and car park on the peninsula will not be affected by the developments.

Works already carried out as part of the multi-million-pound project include facilities for the commercial fishing industry, such as modernising catch landing areas, improved storage, ice and welfare facilities and ensuring better access for fishing vessels, which they are hoping makes operations smoother, whilst also being more cost-effective for the area’s fishermen.

Information on signage, new benches along the public walkway, and adjustments to the commercial lighting and general site maintenance have also been carried out during this time.