Weymouth: North Quay demolition progress continues

The landscape at North Quay will forever be changed once the demolition of the harbourside building comes down. 

READ: North Quay building in Weymouth demolition plans revealed

Earlier this week, Dorset Council provided an update on the progress of the demolition and hoped that by February 2, the main 'super structure' will have been knocked down. 

Once that work has been completed, contractors can start the process of crushing and recycling the rubble which will be used to maintain highways across the county. 

Some of the material will also be used to build the temporary car park, which will sit on the site until a decision is made as to what will replace the old building. 

Built in the late 1960's, and opened by Princess Anne in 1971, the former council offices have been left derelict since 2017, after being vacated by the council.

A 50ft excavator is being used to tear the building down at North Quay (Image: Andy Jones)

Controversy had surrounded the demolition, as some people had thought it best to refurbish the building, but it was decided it would be knocked down and redeveloped.

A £19.5million grant via the government's Levelling up Fund was secured by Dorset Council to help regenerate parts of Weymouth which included the North Quay site. 

READ: Levelling Up grant to aid demolition of Weymouth's North Quay office

No final decision has been made as to what will replace the building which has been described as an 'eyesore', however, plans to build luxury homes and commercial units was unveiled in 2021.

Prior to the start of the demolition, an archaeological dig was also undertaken which unearthed a pub bombed during World War Two,  medieval pottery, and a cannonball believed to have come from the Civil War era.