Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Dorset Council is proceeding with several exciting projects, works and proposals in Weymouth throughout 2021.
With millions of pounds being invested into developments around the area, Dorset Councillors are keen to demonstrate their commitment to Weymouth through actions that will improve and enhance locations around the harbour, town and seafront.
Working alongside various partners with different funding arrangements, here is a rundown of the current projects and developments Dorset Council is involved with around Weymouth: –
Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project
This project will bring a disused area of the harbour into full use and will also safeguard our fishing, charter and harbourside enterprises to retain talent within Weymouth. It will also provide access to the waterside for the local community and visitors to the area. This will include: –
- creating a walkway from the Weymouth Bay side of the peninsula in a continuous run to the harbourside, drawing people round from the beach to the harbour and vice versa
- toilets and showers for harbour users
- improved office and storage space for Harbour Authority
- fuel facility
- harbour wall repairs
- Centre of Excellence for business and enterprise for coastal town small-medium enterprises, creating new workspaces, training facilities and providing business support and resources. We are currently looking for a suitable building we can reuse for this purpose.
Demolition works on the peninsula have recently begun. Working alongside the Weymouth Area Development Trust and other local organisations, the project is set to be completed by the end of 2021.
Find out more about the Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project
Weymouth Station Gateway
Weymouth train station will see some significant improvements as part of this project by transforming the train forecourt into a more welcoming and user-friendly place for visitors and residents of the town.
The preferred design option has now been approved by the key stakeholders, partners and the Project Steering Group, reflecting the feedback from the last year’s consultation. Working with our key partners, we hope to share a more detailed design with the wider community as we begin the planning process and construction.
We are also discussing the opportunity to create a small park that recognises the local railway heritage and being part of the old harbour tramway.
Weymouth Station Gateway is a partnership project, led by the Dorset Coast Forum, and funded by the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund with additional funding from Dorset Council, Weymouth BID and Weymouth Town Council.
Find out more about the Weymouth Station Gateway project
Custom House Quay – Harbourside scheme proposal and survey
Dorset Council revealed their proposals to improve the public space along Custom House Quay, between South parade and St Mary Street, to create a safer space for walking and cycling, enhance the area for outside dining and improve air quality by reducing traffic along the route by removing parking.
A survey is available now for people to tell us their thoughts on the proposal. Early indications show broad support for the scheme, recognising the efforts made to balance the needs of harbour users, residents, businesses and visitors. Some people have also raised concerns about the proposed contra-flow cycleway, potential for increased anti-social behaviour and questions around revised speed limits in the area.
The survey is open until Wednesday 24 February. All feedback will be considered by the Council before any changes are confirmed, with formal consultation to follow if required.
Find out more about our proposals for Custom House Quay and have your say
Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Scheme
Our Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy details how we will ensure that the town is protected from potential coastal flooding and erosion by developing the harbour walls and esplanade sea defences.
The huge scale of engineering works will require investment in excess of £115million from multiple sources. Around a quarter of this would be funded by Dorset Council and agreed as projects come forward for approval.
This extensive programme of wall replacement and raising around both the harbour and esplanade will both reduce flood risk and replace deteriorating walls, some of which are already at the end of their design life. We are currently developing the necessary business cases to attract central government funding.
Find out more about the Weymouth Harbour & Esplanade Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy
We also recently announced proposals for the North Quay site and the former Weymouth Bowl site. Residents are urged to find out more and have their say.
In addition to the above, projects and proposals around Old Castle Road, 45 Dorchester Road and Pinemoor Close allotments are also happening around Weymouth.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said:
“When Dorset Council was launched in April 2019, we wanted to ensure that it would be an organisation that delivers for the people of Weymouth. Residents want to see actions, not just words, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
By working with different partners and securing funding from different sources, we have begun a series of projects and proposals that will see record amounts of investment in Weymouth and deliver exciting developments that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors.
We are listening and we are learning. We understand that some people are sceptical because of previous failings by former councils – those days are in the past and, by working together, we can achieve great things in the future for Dorset’s biggest town.”
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