Dorset Council has been blasted as it looks to retain ownership of key regeneration sites in Weymouth and partner up with a developer.

Instead of selling the prime quayside plots, the council is inviting developers to submit formal proposals in order to work with the authority on developing the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites.

The site of North Quay car park The site of North Quay car park (Image: Cristiano Magaglio) It would probably be for a mix of housing, including affordable homes, together with 'commercial enterprise opportunities'. 

They are the first two of four major sites to be put forward for redevelopment in this initial phase of the council’s flagship investment scheme it is promoting as 'Unlocking Weymouth’s Waterfront Economy'. It is backed by £19.5m of government funding.

Regeneration in Weymouth also focuses on the Peninsula and the old gas works site off Westwey Road.

But prominent local property developer Mickey Jones claims the council is 'making a mistake' in retaining ownership of the sites.

He suggested this has been attempted before with sites such as North Quay. 

The site of Weymouth BowlThe site of Weymouth Bowl (Image: Ellie Maslin) Mr Jones said: "The council exists to deliver public services, and shouldn't be the partner in development projects. They're making a mistake. 

"I'm disappointed that the changing of councils has not meant a changed approach. We've been here before and no developers have come forward, and with lots of these sites, nothing has happened - North Quay itself has the greatest number of false dawns. 

"If the council wants to have a say, it should sell the sites and add covenants to it's projects."

Mr Jones, of DJ Property, added: "The council, as a public service body, is not geared up for this - they need to keep out of developments. It's not the council's fault and they have my sympathy, but there's a good chance history could repeat itself."

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:  “We have a clear vision for what regeneration in Weymouth might look like and hope that we see some strong, robust bids from developers to help us achieve that goal. We want Weymouth to be the best it can be and choosing the right external team to work alongside us, who can offer the skills and expertise we require, is a very important part of that.  

“The easiest option for us would be to simply sell the sites at their market values which would offer the council a significant injection of income. But we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring improvements to Weymouth through high quality, sustainable developments which will stimulate economic growth and bring long-lasting benefits for local people. Any plans that are brought forward must be achievable and realistic.” 

Locals will be asked for their views on how they see the sites used in the future, with public engagement sessions and a survey will take place in the new year.

An open day is also being held at the Hotel Prince Regent on Wednesday, October 16, which will give developers the chance to speak to the project team and have tours of the two sites.