WEST Dorset District Council says a “fresh approach” is needed to delivering a shopping development in Dorchester town centre.

It comes after the council ended an agreement with developers Simons for the Charles Street site earlier this year, with a long awaited scheme deemed not to be financially viable.

The council says it still aims to secure the county town’s future as a thriving regional shopping centre and boost the economy.

A report exploring how the centre of Dorchester could be developed is currently being prepared by retail experts.

It will set out the viable options that can be delivered.

Councillor Anthony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We want to keep major retailers in Dorchester and secure its future as a thriving regional shopping destination.

“Any solution has to be market-led and viable. We need a fresh approach and we need a scheme that is deliverable whatever economic challenges lie ahead. Nothing is decided, but it does seem possible that any future scheme is likely to be simpler and more deliverable.

“Car parking and preserving our archaeology will be considered as part of any future plan.”

It is expected that the report will be considered by the district council’s executive committee on September 13.

The council says discussions with groups like Historic England will take place and other reports such as Dorset County Council’s parking strategy will be considered.

Retail impact studies and pedestrian flow information may also be required.

Mayor of Dorchester Tim Harries, who is also a district councillor, said it was encouraging to see local members being involved in shaping the plans for the Charles Street site and other areas in Dorchester through a working group and stressed that it was”very important” to get the scheme right.

He said he was hopeful something could finally be achieved on the Charles Street site.

Cllr Harries said: “Now we have a leader who appears to be more inclusive and as mayor I’m extremely pleased to see that.

“We can’t make any promises as to what the future holds but hopefully we will see things done in a better fashion.

“The future looks brighter than it did, let’s hope we can get something moving along.”

Anyone who would like to keep up to date with the town centre project can sign-up for an enewsletter or find more information at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/dorchester-centre-new