THE RETAIL element of Brewery Square is rapidly taking shape as big name businesses arrive in town to set up shop.

Fashion retailers Phase Eight are now working on the fit out of their store in the central square with a view to opening by the end of the month.

Staff at Jones Bootmakers, which became the latest name to sign up to the scheme, are busy putting the final touches to their store as they hope to open on Friday, July 19.

And dedicated followers of fashion will have further reason to visit the square when Hobbs opens its doors in early August.

Andrew Wadsworth, director of Waterhouse, which is developing the Brewery Square site in partnership, said it was pleasing to see the retail side of the scheme take shape and by next month the square would have plenty to attract shoppers as well as diners and cinemagoers.

He added that discussions were ‘ongoing’ regarding the unit next to Costa Coffee opposite Dorchester South train station with a view to opening it as a newsagents.

Mr Wadsworth said: “We are very keen to get it going as soon as we can.”

But it is not just retail where interest is booming, Mr Wadsworth said the residential offerings at the development continue to prove popular.

He said: “I think we have got just six apartments remaining out of 66 in the current phase and our apartments in the next phase are already selling well.”