Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has announced that businessman Edward Warr is to be the new town centre manager for Weymouth.

Mr Warr has lived in Weymouth for thirty years, moving to the area with his family when he was a child, and he has promised to take a “hands-on” approach to improving the area.

He started out in life supporting the family business, a guesthouse on Weymouth seafront, and he has since run multiple businesses in the town centre – experience which the council believes will prove useful in his new role.

The position of town centre manager is a new one, and it is hoped that Mr Warr will play a crucial part in the council’s commitment to redevelop the seaside town.

The council has appointed him on a fixed two-year contract, and in June the council's management committee approved up to £100,000 from general reserves to fund the position and associated project costs.

This funding will be boosted by a further £20,000 from Weymouth BID for the first year. 

The council believes the success of the role will be determined by how well the new manager works in unison with local residents, businesses, Weymouth BID and council members to support the delivery of the Weymouth regeneration plans.

Mr Warr said: “I hope to bring valuable insights to the role to support the development of the town. I intend to be hands-on and practical in my approach. Having been a resident and business owner in Weymouth for over 20 years, as well as working alongside my family as part of the tourism offer of Weymouth, I know this town very well.

“I love Weymouth. I believe that with determined efforts now, we will be reaping the benefits for generations to come. I have existing relationships with a variety of local business, and my focus is building on these relationships and forming new ones in the community.

“I am also excited about working together with members of the council and other stakeholders in the town.  I believe we all have a role to play in driving the revitalisation of Weymouth.”

Cllr Jeff Cant, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “We have taken time to develop this role, as it is integral to the plans for the regeneration of Weymouth. The role is complex and will involve a great deal of partnership working.

"We are confident Edward will soon be delivering on our promises to improve the town.”