THE skyline around Weymouth’s inner harbour is set to change radically over the next year as buildings and structures are pulled down to make way for multi-million pound developments creating jobs and investment.

Redevelopment of the council offices and the removal of the eyesore gasometer to make way for new building will help boost the economy. Other residential and commercial development is also set to spring up around the quay in the future.

This key site, considered the largest development opportunity in Weymouth aside from the peninsula, is part of the evolving town centre masterplan to create a ‘residential and enterprise quarter’. The harbour transformation is well underway as new retirement flats at the old fire station, based on a design influenced by Georgian Weymouth, are completed this summer.

The same architects, Ben Penreath & Associates, which has worked on projects at Poundbury, has come up with a mixed development to replace the 40-year-old Municipal Offices, which will close this year. Council staff will relocate to Dorchester and Chickerell, plus a new central office at the Mulberry Centre. A plan has been submitted to demolish the council offices and build 72 houses and flats plus around 216 square metres of commercial space.

Borough council Head of Assets and Infrastructure David Brown said: “The plans look to complement the style of the old Weymouth high street and present an attractive frontage on to the harbourside.”

Meanwhile, demolition work to remove the gasometer will happen in the autumn, says Southern Gas Networks (SGN).It has long been the vision of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to see the site redeveloped for housing.

SGN would not comment on the future of the site, but has previously said the land would be sold for ‘appropriate uses’. While the gas holder remains, it is holding up a plan to redevelop the derelict electricity switching station next door.

The proposal to build 25 homes at the former SEB depot between Westwey Road and Granville Road has stalled due to an objection from the Health & Safety Executive.

Phil Holdcroft of agents Savills said the applicant was negotiating with the landowner to secure an agreement to ensure the gasometer’s removaland he is confident any problems can be overcome.

The inner harbour area along Westwey Road is a key development site in the town masterplan. It is considered to have potential for community facilities and a modern hotel with conference rooms and improved facilities for marina visitors.

Consultants believe there could be a boulevard approach along Westwey Road and a new public square.