THE Timewalk will be axed from Brewers Quay amid plans to transform the building into an upmarket development.

It was revealed that the tourist attraction would be replaced by an alternative wet weather attraction at a public exhibition about the development that opened yesterday.

The display was jam-packed with residents and Brewers Quay traders who were able to quiz company representatives behind the development, Brewers Quay LLP.

If planning permission is granted, the building will house a three-star plus hotel, specialist retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and luxury flats and holiday apartments.

Weymouth Museum will remain in the building under the plans.

Chris McDougall, a partner of Brewers Quay LLP, said he would urge more people to come and have their say on the plans.

He said: “We are looking for public feedback about what direction to go in.

“It’s the public’s building. We are looking to improve the Weymouth Museum and we have deliberately planned to give it more space.

“The visitor numbers for the Time Walk have reduced dramatically over the last couple of years so it is not suitable to keep.

“We are looking at putting a wet weather facility in its place.”

He added that all of the existing shops will be offered space in the new development and they will be given the ‘first opportunity’ to show an interest.

But existing tenants expressed concerns about their future.

Nikki Davies, who runs Wowz on Canvas in The Workshop, said: “As a business owner in Brewers Quay I am concerned about the future.

“I would like to be one of the retailers in the new development but whether I will be able to afford the rent, I have no idea.”

Colin Cole, who runs Art Corner, added: “I cannot see that it will be an option to stay here.

“I think they will be looking for upper market specialist shops.”

However, Steve Laker, 58, who works in Weymouth Museum, welcomed the plans.

He said: “I’m pleased to hear that the museum will be staying and expanding.”

Roger Dalton, of Brewers Quay, said he also welcomed the plans despite the fact he will be losing his post as director once construction begins.

He said: “We have to change and move forward.”

A detailed planning application for the Victorian brewery house will be submitted in the autumn and developers say they are hoping it will be complete by December 31.

If planning permission is approved, development will begin in early 2011.

The public exhibition will also be open today and tomorrow between 2pm and 5.30pm.