A MULTI-MILLION pound project aiming to regenerate Weymouth's Brewers Quay is set to be resubmitted.

Developers have gone back to the drawing board to produce an application that will bring flats, shops and restaurants to the area. Homes are also planned for a car park behind the site.

There will also be a permanent home for the Weymouth Museum at Brewers Quay and additional space for indoor tourist and cultural attractions.

Unlike the previous £15m project submitted in 2011 however which was never progressed, this plan will not include a hotel.

Brewers Quay closed in February 2011 to allow work for the £15m project to be carried out.

It was hoped the project would be completed in time for the Olympics but the deadline was pushed back.

Brewers Quay reopened to the public in March 2013 following the success of pop-up shops during the Olympics.

The attraction currently houses the Brewers Quay Emporium and Italian restaurant Il Porto, among other businesses.

Paul Cartlidge, co-director of the Emporium, said: “We knew we had a time limit. We will be looking at other centres to open in.

“If there's an extension possible to our lease here, we will be taking it.”

The lease for the Brewers Quay Emporium is set to run until September 2015.

Brewers Quay Investments LLP is hoping to put in a planning application by the end of September. If successful, work could start later next year.

Richard Strode, a partner at Brewers Quay Investments LLP said: “We are really excited about our plans and are looking forward to sharing them with the community during August.

“The regeneration of Brewers Quay is long overdue and we are encouraged by the feedback we have received to date. People tell us they really want to see the building restored and more happening in Hope Square.”

Alastair Ross, a fellow partner added: “Our plans include leisure facilities and much needed new homes, which we believe will attract more people into the area, creating new jobs and boosting Weymouth's economy.”

David Riches, company secretary and a director of the Museum Trust, said: “We have been working with the building owners for some time and are delighted to see these plans coming together.

“The plans provide us with increased space and improved facilities such as a gift shop.”

As part of the new plan, developers also wish to develop the car park next to Newton's Road by building new homes on the site.

It is understood the car park, which will be submitted as a separate application, will help fund the Brewery Quay redevelopment.

Residents who live nearby the car park said they wouldn't like to see housing put in its place.

Teresa Edwards, 61, said: “I would definitely object to it. I think this area is already built up enough. The infrastructure is not good enough.”

Meanwhile, Eric Stoker, 90, said the car park was frequently used.

He said: “I would be against it if it is going to affect the parking of cars and coaches.

“It is used habitually in the summer periods by coaches and holidaymakers.”

 

A public exhibition will be hosted at Weymouth Museum in Brewers Quay on Friday, August 15 for members of the public to have their say on both applications.

The exhibition will be open between 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Plans will also be available to view online at www.brewers-quay.com

 

Plans welcomed

Business leaders and councillors have welcomed the revised plans.

Nigel Reed, manager of the Weymouth Business Improvement District, said: “The BID always supports anything that improves the town and helps attract more people to the town is a good idea.

“Brewers Quay is certainly an area that people look at and needs improvement so anything that is looking to improve that area and bring people into the area is a good sign and we at the BID are supportive of it.”

Dave Evans owns The Jigsaw Shop next door to Brewers Quay.

Backing the plan, he said: “If they develop it in a nice way, in a 100 years' time Weymouth will still have a Brewer's Quay.

“If you don't do anything it's going to decay, rot and collapse eventually.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Kate Wheller, Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, said: “It is very good news and very encouraging the development is now moving forward because it's such a good location and was such a popular site."