A regeneration project to secure Weymouth’s position as a 'thriving harbour and tourist destination' has moved a step closer.

The Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project will see a new building and improved facilities provided at the harbour.

The aim is to transform a brownfield site into a space of economic regeneration, creating employment and safeguarding jobs by supporting local small and medium sized enterprises.

It has only been at the concept stage but now Dorset Council has appointed architects Austin-Smith:Lord so the details can be drawn up.

The appointment marks another significant step forward for the project which was awarded £3.79m of investment from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund earlier this year. The total cost of the project is £6.8m.

Dorset Council is delivering the project in partnership with the Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT).

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Economic Development said: “Having Austin-Smith:Lord on board is a big step forward for our plans to help regenerate Weymouth quay and to position the town as an attractive year round destination.

“This project is all about encouraging growth in the heart of Weymouth. It offers the chance to create jobs and businesses, all to the benefit of the local community."

The project aims to sustain and create jobs by delivering

A multi-purpose harbour building, including:

* a Centre of Excellence for small-medium enterprise on the quay, including employment and co-working space, a café or kitchen and bookable training spaces and meeting rooms

* facilities for boat crews

* secure storage and facilities for the Harbour Authority

* state of the art training facilities attracting maritime, marine and other industry students

Improved harbour facilities, including:

* new pontoons to improve and extend access to fishing and other boats

* fishing improvements

The project also aims to attract more visitors to the area with a pedestrian walkway around the Peninsula.

Chris Wilson, Chief Executive of Weymouth Area Development Trust said: “The planned Centre of Excellence for Small Medium Enterprise is the first of its kind in the country and the towns' business community is involved in its design and delivery. We are looking forward to working with the architects to design a building that will hold such a flagship project.”

* Engagement events are set to take place in November with harbour users and the wider public to share initial thoughts on the development and give the opportunity for feedback.

An open session at Weymouth Library will take place on Monday, November 18 from 2pm until 7pm. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Weymouth Quay Regeneration Project is welcome to attend.