A public engagement event looking at redevelopment plans for Dorchester town centre will be held this month.

Members of the public are being invited to come along to the meeting and hear from the councillors and officers who are leading the town's development project.

As reported in the Echo the new masterplan, which was unveiled for the first time in July, involves a large development of shops on Fairfield car park off Weymouth Avenue, and food retail outlets on Charles Street, as well as the growth of car parking areas.

Dorchester’s historic weekly market will be also be relocated as part of the development.

West Dorset District Council’s (WDDC) strategy committee voted unanimously in favour of the scheme in a special meeting in August, but councillors raised concerns over Dorchester becoming ‘like any other town’, with others saying the public should be fully involved before the development moves further.

A presentation regarding the developments will be shown twice at South Walks House on Tuesday, September 26 - once at 5:30pm and again at 7pm.

Councillors believe that the masterplan is an "exciting opportunity" to transform the town and allow it to become a vibrant 21st century retail and cultural centre for Dorset and beyond.

They hope that Dorchester will become the "go-to town" for those wishing to enjoy a rich variety of cultural, retail and leisure experiences.

Officers say they are taking a refreshed approach and exploring other development opportunities to create an impressive future for the county town.

Cllr John Russell, leader of the Dorchester retail members working group, said: “Many exciting developments are already underway, which reinforces our vision. Multi-million pound investment at the Dorchester County Museum, the Shire Hall, and plans for The Maltings in Brewery Square could provide world-class cultural centres.

"We realise future plans have to be viable, welcomed and right for residents, businesses, customers and communities. We want to engage with the public on this so that we all have a stake in Dorchester’s future."