A MULTI-million-pound town centre regeneration project is set to move a step ahead.

Plans for the next phase of the £100 million regeneration project of Brewery Square, which has transformed a former brownfield site into a thriving development, have been submitted to West Dorset District Council (WDDC).

Under the proposals, the listed original Brewhouse building site will be transformed into 29 private residential proposal apartments, along with commercial space on the ground floor.

The Brewhouse itself is a Grade II listed building and lies at the centre of the proposed redevelopment between Weymouth Avenue to the West, and the train/bus station to the South.

Originally, planning consent was granted in 2012 to turn the 130-year-old brewery building in a 52 bedroom hotel and a 17 unit apartment block, however, it was unsuccessful in obtaining commercial interest so the plans were revised to apartments.

The redevelopment plan came forward following the closure of the former Eldridge Pope Brewery in 2003.

The brewery site was left abandoned until it came to the attention of Andrew Wadsworth of London-based property developers, Waterhouse. The company submitted a full redevelopment vision which was approved by WDDC in 2007.

In a statement, the Brewery Square Redevelopment Company, said: “Following the completion of the public square and surrounding Brewery Square developments (Phase 2B), it is crucial to ensure the Brewhouse is occupied, to strengthen the public realm on all four sides of the square. In addition, a swift resolution would prevent any further deterioration of the fabric to a prominent listed building

“The conversion to a reduced, private residential proposal of 29 apartments is now proposed, along with commercial space on the ground floor.

“Intervention to the original structure is reduced from the previously consented scheme to maintain and enhance the original character of the listed Brewhouse.”

It follows previous Phase one of the scheme, which is now complete, involved the construction of a new health centre and the redevelopment of the old Eldridge Pope building into shops and apartments, phase two which included a new cinema and the ongoing Phase 2b which includes a new a premier inn hotel, shops, restaurants, a fountain and ice rink and a proposed arts venue known as the Dorchester Maltings.

The plans will be determined by WDDC’s planning committee later this year.