There has been much discussion on the future of the Brewers Quay building in Weymouth since the owner fell into administration. This statement provides an update on Dorset Council’s position with regard to Brewers Quay.
As previously announced, Dorset Council – as the local Planning authority – has served a legal notice (a Section 215 Notice) to force the owners/receivers to maintain the building and make general repairs for improvement.
The administrators for the company which owns Brewers Quay is currently seeking offers from the market for purchase of the building: offers are due to be submitted next week. The administrator has a duty to secure the best possible return for the asset.
A number of options have been raised about how the building can be brought back into use. These include the registration of the site as an Asset of Community Value, Compulsory Purchase by the Council and a bid for Government grant under the Levelling Up fund.
Dorset Council have been informed that Weymouth Area Development Trust, a resident led community organisation, is submitting a nomination that Brewers Quay should be registered as an Asset of Community Value. The Community Right to Bid for assets of community value legislation is designed for situations like this. It allows community organisations a six month period to pull together a plan and finance to bring the building into use.
Discussing this bid, Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, with special responsibility for Regeneration and Development in Weymouth, said: “There are a number of processes underway regarding Brewers Quay. The administrators and WADT are pursuing various routes. We would welcome the opportunity to work with any appropriate group to bring the building back into use.”
Dorset Council understands that certain groups and individuals feel the council should wield its powers to begin a Compulsory Purchase Order process – buying the building from the current owner. Compulsory Purchase is an expensive and prolonged process. It would result in the costs of the building falling on the shoulders of taxpayers. In the light of the other opportunities to bring the building back into use, this is not a route Dorset is pursuing at this time.
Dorset Council is also preparing a bid to the Levelling Up fund, which will include a proposal to help bring the building into use. This is a Government Scheme which allows councils to bid for finance to carry out regeneration projects. It is a competitive bidding process, so there is no guarantee that an award will be made, but Dorset is eligible to bid and we are planning to submit a proposal for this and other projects by the closing date of 18 June.
This can only be done in collaboration with any new owners so we would welcome the earliest possible discussion with them to see if this fund presents a way forward.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said:
“We are as frustrated and disappointed as anyone by the failure of developers to fulfil their commitments to bring Brewers Quay into use. This is a much loved building and should be in active use to re-invigorate this part of town, so we have used our powers as the local Planning authority to get the owners to preserve the fabric of the building.
“We are working hard with local community groups to support their approaches and we are planning to bid for Government financing for Brewers Quay. We are hopeful that one of the routes we are pursuing will allow Weymouth to bring this building back as the vibrant core of the area.”
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