A long-awaited regeneration project at a prominent Weymouth site could finally get underway following the submission of revised plans.

Revised plans for the regeneration of Brewers Quay site, which was sold to Winchester-based Versant Developments in December 2016, have been submitted to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Under the revised proposals, Versant will convert the existing main brewers and coopers buildings to provide 47 residential units, a museum and wet weather/exhibition and cultural experience space along with three retail units.

In comparison to the previous plans, which were given the green light in 2016, Versant proposes layout changes to the museum and to the retail/restaurant units.

These include the reduction in the size of unit 1 with the western part of unit 1 now being proposed as cultural space while units three and four will be combined to create a flagship Class A1/A3 unit.

Versant said that talks between themselves and a flagship restaurant operator were ongoing to meet their space requirements for the new combined unit.

The number of residential units has also increased by 12 to include 11 one-bed, 27 two-bed and nine three-bed units within the brewers building and three within the coopers building.

The proposals will also provide a new space for the Weymouth Museum similar to the 2016 permission which will see it occupy the ground and first-floor levels however the floor space will increase to 1,252 sqm from 1,107 sqm.

However, the wet weather/exhibition and cultural experience will be provided at ground floor level within the main entrance and lobby area consisting of an extended floorspace of 429 sqm from 322 sqm.

In the planning statement, Versant added: “The revised proposals optimises the number of residential units as part of an overall mixed-use scheme including a new museum, commercial and residential development.”

“The proposals will ensure the long-term future and tourist function of this important listed building in Weymouth and is considered to accord with the development plan and other material considerations.”

Various plans for the whole site have been proposed since 2013, including one for an 85-bed hotel which was later withdrawn and consequently development on the site has stalled.

Councillor Alison Reed, who represents Weymouth East, said that the building cannot be left for any longer in its current state, however, insisted that any development plan must be suitable.

She added: “It will be interesting to see what local residents responses will be in the increase in the number of flats which are proposed.”

As previously reported, works commenced in August 2017 on the neighbouring Brewery Reach townhouses and later the apartment block in May 2018 at Newton Road with Versant hoping to complete development at Brewery Reach by April 2019.

In the report, Versant Developments concluded: “Proposed alterations and extensions are of a modest scale and it is considered that they do not detract from the historic character and appearance of the building.”

“We look forward to working with West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Council during the application process.”

Versant Developments were unable for comment on the revised proposals however the application is expected to go before the borough council planning committee later this year.

However, Cllr Alison Reed, who represents Weymouth East on Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said that the building cannot be left for any longer in its current state, however, insisted that any development plan must be suitable.

She added: “It will be interesting to see what local residents responses will be in the increase in the number of flats which are proposed.”

As previously reported, works commenced in August 2017 on the neighbouring Brewery Reach townhouses and apartment block in May 2018 at Newton Road with Versant hoping to complete development at Brewery Reach by April 2019.

In the report, Versant Developments concluded: “Proposed alterations and extensions are of a modest scale and it is considered that they do not detract from the historic character and appearance of the building.

“We look forward to working with West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Council during the application process.”

Versant Developments were unable for comment on the revised proposals however the application is expected to go before Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning committee later this year.