First steps towards demolition of Weymouth's North Quay site

Dorset Council is preparing to submit a planning application for the demolition of the derelict office block this spring, as work is ongoing to secure a development partner to build luxury flats at the site.

Although the site has not been formally marketed for sale, Dorset Council said there has been significant continuing developer interest.

The eyesore block overlooking the inner harbour has stood empty since 2016 with various moves to try and redevelop the site. 

The council is now preparing to carry out essential work to clear vegetation from the slopes at the back of the building, which will begin next Tuesday, March 1.

Bulldozers are set to move in to the former WPBC offices at North Quay, Weymouth

The scrub clearance work is necessary to expose the slope behind the building to determine if any further works are required before the site is developed, and is being carried out now ahead of nesting season. It is expected to take 4-5 weeks to complete and will cost around £30,000.

As reported, last autumn £943,255 of central government funding was allocated to help the council progress with demolition of the brownfield site.

The grant will enable the council to submit a planning application for demolition before inviting developers to tender.

• READ MORE: Archaeologists call for further excavations at North Quay site

Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for property and assets, said: "We need to carry out this work ahead of any demolition or development of North Quay, so we can ascertain if further work is required.

"With the amount of vegetation growing on the slopes, we recognise that it's not only unsightly but it's necessary to understand how much work may be required in terms of redevelopment of this site.

"We're also aware that birds may start nesting here soon, so the contractors will be carrying out daily surveys to make sure nesting birds or other wildlife aren't disturbed during the clearance, in line with national biodiversity protection policies."

The proposed North Quay redevelopment is inspired by the historic old High Street Picture: Dorset Council

The council said there are likely to be some minor design changes to the original proposal as a result of further due diligence that has been carried out by the design team, but it is intended that the look of the development will align with the plans published last year.

• Read more: Lack of parking and second homes fears over North Quay & Weymouth Bowl plans 

The proposed town centre Weymouth Bowl affordable housing development, unveiled in tandem with the North Quay luxury flats plan, is subject to the same ongoing procurement discussions regarding a development partner.