Weymouth's Marchesi House, Southill to be demolished ahead of development

The building, off Radipole Lane, is to be pulled down after its elderly residents were moved out. It is to be replaced with social housing, with the majority of its new tenants being drawn from the general housing waiting list, while seven of the properties will be sold under shared ownership schemes.

Marchesi House is to be demolished

It has been confirmed that demolition work ahead of the new development by Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) will begin on September 13.

BCHA also announced that contractor Drew Smith has been appointed for the redevelopment, which, when complete, will consist of 13 one-bedroom flats in two blocks, 12 two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses and 38 parking spaces.

Layout of the new homes Picture: BCHA

The plans attracted significant local opposition after first being unveiled in November 2018. More than 200 people objected to the scheme amid fears about the risk from extra traffic to children attending the nearby primary school and a new access from Rowan Close, as well as over-development. Once finished, there will be twice as many people living on the site compared to its previous use.

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Others were worried that some of the new residents may have additional needs for drug and/or alcohol dependence, while concerns were also raised for Marchesi House's elderly residents being displaced - although there was agreement that the 40 year-old accommodation was no longer fit for purpose.

The building is now derelict Picture: Google Maps

Commenting in 2018, some residents of Marchesi House claimed they had not been properly informed about the scheme.

One said: “At 87-years-old I don’t want to be moving. I’ve been here 18 years. All my friends are here.”

Another was quite confident he will find suitable accommodation after the redevelopment and added: “They have taken note of where I want to go.”

Planning permission was finally granted by Dorset Council in September 2019. The build project will take around 18 months to complete, BCHA has now confirmed.

Artist impression of the new homes Picture: BCHA

Martin Lucas, BCHA’s director of finance & corporate resources said: “BCHA has appointed Drew Smith as the main contractor for the redevelopment of Marchesi House in Southill, Weymouth. The site is now secure with hoarding installed around the perimeter and demolition work is due to commence September 13.

A stark contrast to how the boarded up and derelict building looks now everyone has left Picture: Google Maps

"This exciting project will see the construction of 24 general needs and seven shared ownership homes with associated landscaping and infrastructure to bring much needed affordable housing to the area. Completion of the development is anticipated to be in early 2023.”