PLANS to build a £10million housing and restaurant development on the site of a prominent waterside pub in Weymouth have been unveiled.

Developers showed off their plans for the Ferrybridge Inn site at a public consultation in Wyke Regis.

The ferry-themed building at the end of Portland Road near the Fleet would include 11 townhouses, five larger family maisonettes, six duplexes and eight apartments.

Some 72 car parking spaces will be housed underneath the development with 74 cycle spaces.

The complex’s eatery will be a ‘quality restaurant’, developers say.

If planning permission is gained, the Ferrybridge Inn will be bulldozed and replaced with the development, which is a joint venture between Dorset-based Ilchester Estates and Property Development Partnerships Ltd.

Stewart Drummond, managing director of PDP, said the design was based on a ferry in a nod to the site’s history.

He added: “The building has a maritime theme.

“The planners have been very keen from the outset to make sure we put a statement, iconic building here.”

The development will recognise the historic arrival and departure point between Wyke Regis and the Royal Manor of Portland, which was only accessible by a ferry until 1839.

Materials to be used for the development have been selected from the five landscape areas which meet at Ferrybridge.

There will also be a central courtyard, public open space and a pedestrian route and cycleway.

Around 11 full-time and part-time jobs will be created by the development.

The building will be built out from the road at podium level, partly to protect the site from flooding Residents who called into the consultation in the Methodist Church Hall in Wyke Regis filled out feedback forms after viewing the plans.

Pensioner Edward McBride, of Wyke Regis, said: “I’m impressed with it. It’s good and it’s got all the right things.

“I’ve lived with the Ferrybridge building for so long now.”

Jean Hamdorff, of the Wyke Protection Society, said she wanted to see change on the site.

“We feel that the site needs enhancing. It’s a beautiful site and it does need upgrading.

“We think this development would be good for the area. We can’t carry on with things the way they are.

“We’re keen to see progress,” she said.

Wyke Regis resident Janet Maisey said: “I think Portland Road is already really busy.

“Having extra development, there’s going to be extra traffic.

“Portland Beach Road is very busy at the moment. On the whole, I’m glad someone is finally doing something with the site.”

If the development gets the go-ahead, it is hoped that it will be completed within 18 months to two years.

Mr Drummond said residents’ responses would be analysed to consider possible amendments.