A SEAFRONT building in Weymouth could be restored to its original Georgian appearance with proposals to convert part of the building into a two-bedroom maisonette.

The Grade 2 listed building, at No 80, is part of the Royal Terrace on the Esplanade close to the King’s statue and sits within the town’s conservation area.

The proposed changes, if approved by Dorset Council, may see the front entrance restored with an elevated front door and basement access from pavement level to create the maisonette at ground and basement levels.

Said an architect acting for the owners: “The current proposal seeks to further improve the listed building by restoring the Esplanade elevation to its original Georgian appearance… The advantages of this work are considerable as it would allow the restoration of the original front door position elevated via steps from the pavement.”

He says the shop unit, which would be removed: “showed no respect for the original building internally and externally.”

Said the agent acting for Boldhabit Ltd: “Number 80 was radically altered in the last century to accommodate a shop at pavement level and several historic features were lost. Fortunately, some of the adjacent properties are unaltered, and their design and layout can be copied to restore No. 80 to its original appearance. Restoring this listed building to its original aesthetic integrity will undoubtedly enhance the Conservation Area and set a positive precedent for other restorations using private funds.”

The remodelled front, if agreed, will include a classical front door with fanlight above with the removal of the existing shop front allowing new sash-style timber windows to be added to complete the re-modelled look.

“The resulting restoration would have considerable visual benefits to both the Esplanade and the Conservation Area. The proposed work would also respect the cultural heritage of Weymouth and help return this fine Georgian terrace to its original beauty,” said the agent.

The new application is almost identical to a 2018 proposal which was supported by Weymouth Civic Society at the time and approved by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, although work never started within the three-year time limit.

The existing business in the shop unit, Premier Express, currently has an ‘active’ lease. The building’s owner has confirmed that the tenants will not be required to move until the lease ends, unless they wish to end the lease prior to that.

Public comments on the proposal remain open until March 30th.