Dorset Council has announced the new car park at North Quay will officially reopen today.

Following the demolition of the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices in February, a freshly laid tarmac car park will be open with space for 238 vehicles, an increase of 42 spaces on the previous car park.

Work was originally due for completion at the end of April however Dorset Council announced more work was needed before the car park could fully reopen.

READ MORE: North Quay car park not ready for bank holiday weekend

A small part of the car park will remain closed off until July for contractors working to rebuild the harbour wall. 

Dorset Echo: The council offices at North Quay have been demolished, leaving just a pile of rubble behindThe council offices at North Quay have been demolished, leaving just a pile of rubble behind (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The cost to park in the council office car park has not changed, ranging from 50p for 30 minutes to £6 for 10 hours. Payment can be made by cash or card, or by using the online app.

Dorset Council received planning permission in July to demolish the building overlooking the inner harbour at North Quay which was opened by Princess Anne in 1971.

Dorset Echo: The building was built in the 1960sThe building was built in the 1960s

Many Weymouth residents welcomed the decision as the buildings had stood derelict since the council's departure in 2017. 

READ MORE: Weymouth's residents welcome North Quay demolition

The planning conditions allow this site to be a temporary car park for up to three years while the council appoints a development partner.

This partner (or partners) will work with the council to bring forward proposals for the long-term development and regeneration of this prime harbourside site. This site is now a highly attractive and viable development opportunity, including strengthened harbour walls, brand-new utilities and the latest digital connectivity. 

Dorset Echo: North Quay car park North Quay car park (Image: NQ)

Local people, businesses, and other stakeholders will be consulted on any plans brought forward through public engagement sessions before they are submitted for planning permission. 

The total cost of the work to demolish the former council offices, carry out the archaeological excavation and convert the site into a car park is around £800k. This has been paid for through government's Brownfield Funding and the Levelling Up Fund.

North Quay car park has also been proposed as a possible drop off and collection point for Portland Port’s cruise ship coaches. This proposal is currently with Portland Port for consideration.