Residents and the business community are invited to have their say on plans to transform one of Weymouth’s most prominent landmarks. This week Weymouth & Portland Borough Council will unveil proposals to breathe new life into the Peninsula.
The initial ideas – including new leisure facilities, hotels and restaurants – will be revealed at two public exhibitions on Wednesday March 14 and Thursday March 15, plus a special meeting for business and hotel representatives.
These proposals will complement the Jurassic Skyline tower and Pavilion Theatre already on the site, as well as meeting the council’s Town Centre Masterplan objective of creating an all-year destination.
Cllr Jeff Cant, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Leader and Briefholder for Finance and Assets, said: “This is the first of three major regeneration projects. Our aim is to reposition the Borough as a thriving all year round destination of choice. The development of this site aims to blend the vigour of a working harbour town with a wider choice of all-weather attractions.
“We aim to fully engage with the community to ensure we deliver what is best for local businesses and residents. Together we know we can transform this area for present and future generations.
“Development of the town centre and the Weymouth Peninsula are vital for the future sustainability, growth and prosperity of our community”.
The council is holding two public engagement events to gather residents’ views before the initial ideas are developed further for an outline planning application later in the Spring.
The scheme is part of the Weymouth Town Centre Masterplan, which outlines the regeneration of five key areas of Weymouth town centre, resulting in new homes, jobs and top quality cultural and leisure facilities.
Leisure-led plans for the Peninsula were influenced from feedback in previous consultation with residents on the Masterplan.
Proposals include a mixture of indoor leisure buildings, a boutique hotel, a mid-range hotel, a number of restaurants, harbour and marine facilities and car parking.
And as well as providing additional tourism, harbour and leisure facilities, there will also be attractive landscaping and improved pedestrian walkways to complement other attractions in the town.
New harbour facilities intend to be provided where fisherman may be able to sell their catch direct to the public on the harbour side of the Peninsula.
The council has already approved £250,000 for a major external makeover of the iconic Pavilion Theatre which will remain situated at the gateway of the Peninsula. The Jurassic Skyline will retain its current position.
Some buildings and the redundant ferry terminal on the Peninsula will be demolished, and £2m worth of work and repairs will also take place on a section of the Harbour Walls.
Cllr Cant added: “These outline plans seek approval in principle for this type of development on the Peninsula and it is essential that residents and businesses play their part in ensuring we get the best result.
“Your views are important in influencing the final plans which will create new jobs and boost the local economy to the benefit of everyone. Please find time to engage with the public events and go online to express your views”.
Following public consultation Weymouth & Portland Borough Council will submit an outline planning application. If that is approved more detailed schemes and designs for the site will be put forward.
People can view the plans at the council’s office in Commercial Road on Wednesday March 14 from 5-8pm and Thursday March 15 11am-2pm. The exhibition boards and visuals will also be displayed in the Weymouth library, after the event, until Friday 30 March.
An online survey will be available from 4pm on March 14 until April 6 at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/weymouth-peninsula
Please find artist’s impression of the Peninsula site attached.
