Securing Dorchester’s future as a thriving regional shopping centre and boosting our economy remains the vision of West Dorset District Council.
A report exploring how the centre of Dorchester could be developed is currently being prepared by retail experts. It will set out the viable options that can be delivered.
Councillor Anthony Alford, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We want to keep major retailers in Dorchester and secure its future as a thriving regional shopping destination.
“Any solution has to be market-led and viable. We need a fresh approach and we need a scheme that is deliverable whatever economic challenges lie ahead. Nothing is decided, but it does seem possible that any future scheme is likely to be simpler and more deliverable.
“Car parking and preserving our archaeology will be considered as part of any future plan.”
It is expected that the report will be considered by the district council’s Executive Committee on 13 September 2016.
Discussions with groups like Historic England will take place and other reports such as Dorset County Council’s parking strategy will be considered. Retail impact studies and pedestrian flow information may also be required.
Anyone who would like to keep up-to-date with the project can sign-up for an enewsletter here or visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/dorchester-centre-news
