Residents and councillors are hopeful that the development of Weymouth waterside land will bring much-needed investment to the town.

As previously reported in the Echo, Dorset Council has made two significant purchases of land to the west of the Weymouth marina.

These two 'brownfield' sites - at Westwey Road and Newstead Road - are now under council ownership following a successful bidding process.

This includes the industrial site that once contained the gas holders, which once dominated the town's skyline.

These two prime development sites bring together a portfolio of other key sites surrounding the harbour owned by Dorset Council - North Quay, the former Weymouth Bowl site and the Peninsula.

The hope is that by obtaining these parcels of land and potentially packaging them together, it can be made more attractive to potential developers.

Read more: Weymouth's last gas holder is pulled down

Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Property & Assets, Economic Growth & Levelling Up, Cllr Richard Biggs said: "These sites are prime land and we need to regenerate Weymouth. We need to look at what we can put there to make a difference.

"The whole area is being looked at for potential development. It could be housing (including social housing) or industrial.

"It is quite exciting for Weymouth, which desperately needs investment and has suffered for years. So it's an opportunity to pull in some investment and jobs.

"We could receive development ideas for the whole lot, or just each individually.

"We are looking forward to it."

Weymouth residents are glad of the moves to regenerate the area and believe it will positively affect the town.

One resident said: "It will be great for the aesthetic to have something there and hopefully good for employment for the town. Anything that brings in employment or increases the economy of the town is going to be good.

"I just hope there will be consultation with the community ahead of any development."

Another resident said: "Its benefit to the area will depend on what it is. If it is going to get jobs then yes, but I think we need housing more."

The North Quay site, which is considered by Dorset Council to be a prime site for development, was recently turned into a temporary car park following the demolition of the old council buildings. 

A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said: "We welcome plans to add these sites to the ambitious redevelopment of Weymouth and look forward to being involved in the exciting opportunities to come including Peninsula, North Quay, and the bowling alley.”