Traders in a 'neglected' part of Weymouth have spoken of their hope as a major redevelopment puts retail space up for rent.
The project is a key regeneration site in the town which has long stood empty but progress is finally being made this year.
Recently businesses in the area have been struggling to pull footfall from the town centre, particularly after the two-month closure of the Town Bridge for repairs. The owners of the Secret Garden Café called the winters there 'soul-destroying' and moved their restaurant from Hope Square to Dorchester.
The much-loved Galley Bistro in Hope Square also closed its doors on October 1 after 20 years.
However, traders are hopeful that businesses attracted by Brewers Quay will breathe new life into the area.
Colin Cole is the owner of In The Frame on Trinity Street. His business started life in Brewers Quay a decade ago six months before it closed.
He said: "It would be brilliant if it re-opened. We still get people who come in and ask about it.
"It could do with some life around that site because some businesses have closed around there recently. It could do with some activity."
Paula Smith is the owner of The T-Shop on Trinity Street.
She said: "This side of the harbour seems to be a bit neglected. I hope that with Brewers Quay, we are going to get more business and footfall and make the south side more lively.
"Hopefully it will be a ray of sunshine."
The lots have been put up for rent at the red-bricked Victorian building which will also house a refurbished museum, culture spaces and a cookery school.
They are designed for shops or restaurants/cafés to use and have been made available by Savills property agents.
There are also plans to create 47 new homes including a mixture of Mews houses and flats above the retail units.
Geraldine Mooney is the owner of the Cove Gallery on Trinity Street which has just celebrated its 5th anniversary. She said: "Having more businesses will only enhance the already strong community on the south harbourside.
"We are really excited to see new neighbours. It will bring more people over the bridge. There is a lot of history on this side, and the Brewery Quay is part of that history.
"After having the bridge closed for so many months it is really good news."
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