Residents can hear about redevelopment proposals for Dorchester town centre.

West Dorset District Council is running public engagement events on the Dorchester Town Centre Masterplan next week.

As reported more than £2 million could be invested on a new covered market and car park on Dorchester’s Charles Street car park as part of the masterplan.

The move would leave the Fairfield site free for a future shopping development and a decked car park.

The idea appears to mark the end of proposals, first made in the 1970s, for a big retail development at Charles Street – reflecting recent changes in the decline of high street shopping.

The engagement events will take place at the West Dorset District Council offices, South Walks House on Wednesday, August 22 at 6pm and Thursday, August 23 at 4.30pm and 6pm.

The format of the event will be a presentation, followed by a question and answer session.

All the events will have the same presentation shown, so people can only attend one.

The council will be recording the event on Wednesday to upload for anyone who wishes to view the presentation but cannot attend.

Cllr Tony Alford, Leader of West Dorset District Council, “We understand there is a lot of public interest in the Dorchester Town Centre Masterplan.

"There has been a great deal of work done on the many strands that make up the masterplan. We want to use this event to update the public on our progress over the last twelve months, and give the opportunity to ask questions.”