Archaeology, the future of the market, parking environmentally sustainable development and ensuring a strong retail offer are considered the most important features of a new masterplan, according to residents.

As reported, a vision for the future of Dorchester will see shops and restaurants on Fairfield car park, with Charles Street having one main food shop with car parking.

A meeting held last month to discuss the development of the town saw hundreds of people attend, with members of the public asked to vote on what they think should be a top priority of any future plans.

The Charles Street working group met on Tuesday, October 17.

In light of the expanded remit of the group, members agreed to change the working group name to the Dorchester Town Centre Project working group.

A decision has also been made to undertake further archaeological exploration work in Fairfield long stay car park around mid-late November.

This will complement the previous trenching work that was done on the site.

This additional work is intended to further investigate any evidence of Roman burials to confirm the absence of any historical interest.

Details are still being finalised, but West Dorset District Council expect there will be four trenches dug around the car par.

The excavation work should take two to three days per trench and it is expected that the works will take around a fortnight.

The council say further details will be made to the public once the works have finished.

Cllr Tony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We are pleased with the progress on the developments.

“A ‘retail needs’ assessment has been carried out and we are due the full results shortly.

“The report’s summary supported the need for a development that would elevate and enhance the county town’s position as a key retail and cultural hub for Dorset.”

Cllr John Russell, chair of the Dorchester Town Centre Project working group, said: “We appreciate the attendance of local residents to our recent engagement event.

“There were lots of good questions, and so we are currently drafting a cohesive FAQ document that will be available online soon.

“We have agreed that moving forwards we will host regular engagement events, as well as monthly e-newsletters, to reinforce our commitment to transparent and regular communication.” 

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