Weymouth residents and councillors are optimistic about the redevelopment of the town’s waterside land, anticipating much-needed investment.

Dorset Council has successfully acquired two brownfield sites, Westwey Road and Newstead Road, to the west of Weymouth marina. These sites, including the former industrial area that housed the gas holders, are now under council ownership.

The acquisition adds to Dorset Council’s portfolio of key sites around the harbour, including North Quay, the former Weymouth Bowl site, and the Peninsula. The council hopes that packaging these parcels together will attract developers.

Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Property & Assets, Economic Growth & Levelling Up, Councillor Richard Biggs, stated, “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.”

Biggs added, “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.”

Local residents are supportive of the regeneration efforts, recognising the potential benefits for the town. One resident commented, “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 expressed, “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, recently turned into a temporary car park, is also considered a prime development opportunity. 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.”