CRUNCH talks about the future of Weymouth's ferry operation are to take place.

Senior borough councillors will meet with Condor Ferries management to review the viability of the business's long-term future.

The move comes after it was revealed six developers have expressed interest in transforming Weymouth's Pavilion site, which includes the town's ferry terminal and port.

Two major UK companies, a house builder, a budget hotel chain and an international development company have all enquired about the complex, according to borough council chief executive Tom Grainger. One of the bids claimed a casino might be a key to the development, he said.

Mr Grainger told a meeting of the borough council economy and regeneration committee the interest came despite no formal marketing of development opportunities being carried out.

Committee members were deciding whether to back spending £3,500 on 'limited' advertisement of the site.

Mr Grainger said: "There's definitely interest out there and appears to have come from word of mouth.

"It is the officers' view that it does make sense to spend a limited amount of money to seek interest."

Committee members agreed to recommend the proposal to management committee after hearing that members of the public overwhelmingly favoured redeveloping the 44-year-old building rather than doing nothing.

Out of 821 respondents to a survey, 338 people voted for total redevelopment, 341 for partial with only 142 wanting to leave the site untouched.

Residents voted nearly two-to-one against putting the Pavilion out to commercial management. Councillors were told the theatre represented a 'substantial' cost to the borough, estimated this year at £584,168 after deducting income.

This year Bristol-based property consultants Donaldsons claimed it would cost £5.4 million for baseline redevelopment of the site, including £1.2 million for a revamped ferry terminal.

Mr Grainger warned councillors they needed to be very clear about what they were putting on the market.

He urged the management committee meet with Condor officials to gauge the company's long-term commitment and obtain an informed view on risks involved in redeveloping the ferry terminal. "We need to take their views about how the industry might change," he said.

Economy and regeneration committee chairman Peter Farrell said: "Everyone has got to put their cards on the table. As it stands, any development will be with a ferry terminal in place."

Condor Ferries has repeatedly stressed its commitment to Weymouth. Operations manager Stuart Williams said last week: "Weymouth is where our ships are and most of our employees are. We have developed the skills infrastructure to support ourselves in the town. We are absolutely and utterly committed to Weymouth."

A report this year showed the company was worth £7.7 million to the area with jobs and tourism.