New life will be injected into an historic building in Weymouth town centre which is set for a multi-million pound restoration.

The St Thomas Street building, known as ‘The Rectory’, is being brought back to life after years of standing derelict thanks to local commercial property agent DJ Property which has bought the property.

An adjacent building, formerly the Body Shop, and more recently the jewellery store Queens of Weymouth, which was forced to close its doors after three years, has also been acquired by the firm.

The Rectory building was a centrepiece in the former Weymouth town centre redevelopment and used to be a popular pub/restaurant at the heart of the local night time economy.

Formerly known as The Old Rectory, Barracuda and most recently The Clipper, the Grade II listed building has remained empty since 2013 when it was abruptly shut when The Bramwell Pub group went into administration.

It has not been disclosed what the plans are for the property - but the fact it's being brought back into use with major investment is a positive step forward for a prominent building which has stood empty for so long.

Dorset Echo: The building has been derelict since 2013The building has been derelict since 2013 (Image: DJ Property)

Mickey Jones, Chief Executive at DJ Property said: “We are thrilled to have acquired The Rectory and save it from an uncertain future.

"This Georgian gem holds immense potential, and we look forward to revitalising it to its former grandeur while preserving its unique architectural heritage.

"There are exciting plans to make this building the centre of the community, providing employment opportunities, whilst respectfully restoring its former glory.”

Dorset Echo: The building was known as The Clipper until 2013 and the building to the right, which has also been bought, was jewellery store Queens of Weymouth The building was known as The Clipper until 2013 and the building to the right, which has also been bought, was jewellery store Queens of Weymouth (Image: Andy Jones)

The redevelopment project will begin immediately with the submission of a listed building application to returning the exterior to how it once was and the interior will undergo extensive refurbishment to ensure its sustainable future use.

DJ Property has formed a partnership with rb Studio, an award-winning RIBA chartered architect firm to help drive the project forward.

It is not the first time DJ Property has helped to redevelop parts of Weymouth’s historic town centre. In 2020 it embarked on a £2.5 million renovation project which brought the Deheers building on the harbourside back to life.

That building is now fully occupied with warehouse style apartments and the vibrant EBIKE Café.

Dorset Echo: The Deheers building is now home to the EBIKE Cafe after being restored by DJ Property in 2020The Deheers building is now home to the EBIKE Cafe after being restored by DJ Property in 2020 (Image: : image courtesy of DJ Property ©Lara Jane Thorpe Photography)

Mr Jones added: “Weymouth is a beautiful town showcasing incredible architecture. I am sure many local people agree it is hard to witness parts of that rich heritage falling into dilapidation.

“As a local family business, it was a privilege to redevelop both the Deheers building and Weymouth Coffee Tavern.

"Similarly, The Rectory holds a special place in the local community's heritage, and its restoration represents a commitment to preserving Weymouth's architectural legacy for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

“With it will come employment opportunities and an exciting contribution to our local economy. We are eager to announce further news about this in the near future.”

The property went up for sale in 2020 when offers in excess £1.25 million were being invited - although the figure for this sale has not been disclosed.

Dorset Echo: The restoration of the exterior will include replacing the windows and repairing the roof which will begin immediately The restoration of the exterior will include replacing the windows and repairing the roof which will begin immediately (Image: Andy Jones)

In its heyday as The Rectory in the 2000s it was a bar and nightclub before closing down in 2006.

The venue was then bought by South African pub chain Barracuda and reopened that year following a £1.25 million refurbishment - only to change hands again for the final time in 2010, when it became The Clipper.

Originally Weymouth's rectory, the building was uncovered during demolition of the old Gaumont Cinema. 

The elegant five-storey property includes a three-bedroomed flat, previously used as owners' accommodation, as well as a large courtyard at the front for outside seating.