Plans are progressing for the development of the old Methodist Church in Weymouth, with the possibility for construction to be complete by 2025.

The site of the Grade II listed former church on Maiden Street in Weymouth was previously described as a ‘gutted roofless ruin’ by Historic England, following a fire that destroyed the building more than 20 years ago.  

The Echo has previously reported on the state the building has been in, as well as the new website Evolution Weymouth, which has shown artist renderings of what the site will be like.

The Echo were invited to the Goadsby office in Weymouth for the pre-launch of Evolution Weymouth- the developed plans for the site and its 24 apartments.

Dorset Echo:

The developer, which runs the Cranborne Group, travelled down from Oxfordshire for the launch and was present when the first reservation for a flat in the property was secured.

Karen Smith, new homes director for Goadsby said that the Cranborne group were looking at the plans for the development of Brewery Square in Dorchester when creating the designs, as they looked to at the 'balance between old and new builds' as the interior of the site needs a complete overhaul following the fire. 

She also said that the fact the interior is essentially a new build, despite it being a conversion, has drawn a lot of people into enquiring because there is a lack of modern looking apartments in the Weymouth town centre.

Mrs Smith said the developer is looking to be ‘engrossed in production’ by Spring 2024, with the possibility of being a 12 month build, meaning it could be available to move into by summer 2025.

Mrs Smith revealed that the developer still needed to apply for permission for a crane to access the site and apply for the road surrounding the site to be closed for this.

One point of contention of the build is the lack of parking in the area. Mrs Smith said: “Residents zone parking permits will be available, as well as the free parking on the harbour after 6pm.”

When asked what has drawn buyers into engaging with the property, Karen replied: “Location- it’s by the harbour, and the money spent by the council on the café culture of the transformed seafront is a big appeal.”

Mrs Smith said: "The hopes from the pre-launch are that enough interest is gauged for the works to start."

She said that the property has gauged a lot of interest from the locals to the site, and that its modern appeal. It is unknown if views from the harbour will be available before construction has started. The proposed on-site gym has also garnished interest from potential buyers.