Campainers 'disappointed' by Brewers Quay community asset decision
Dorset Council decided not to grant Brewer's Quay in Weymouth a special community status
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
Campaigners behind plans to save Brewer's Quay as an 'asset of community value' say they're disappointed their bid's been denied.
Dorset Council declined the application claiming it did not meet the requirements of this special status.
It was hoped granting the status would send a strong message to future developers of the site. Campaigners want the building to be used and developed in a way that positively impacts local jobs and housing.
In 2005, the site attracted over 778,000 visitors compared with just over 3,000 in 2017.
The status also would have granted groups like Weymouth Area Development Trust the chance to buy the building themselves.
CEO of WADT, Chris Wilson said:
"The ideal outcome would have been that the nomination was accepted, because that would have put us in the position of being able to talk to the developers, but also in a position that we could have put together a finance package."
Chris revealed considerable support had been offered by large scale heritage organisations in anticipation of the nomination being approved:
"All of that hope, all of that work, all of that considerable support, including from the Architectural Heritage Fund who were great around supporting us. They insisted on us getting viability reports done, so we know it was viable but obviously it's not to be at the moment.
"We understand that Brewers Quay is in the process of being purchased by yet another Development company and we can only hope that they are open to working with the community and residents.”
It's believed a developer has been agreed, although it's yet to be completed.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property:
“I am sure the WADT are disappointed that their application is judged not to meet the criteria to give Brewers Quay community asset status. Dorset Council will continue our commitment to work with whoever ends as the owner of the building in the best interests of Weymouth and Dorset as a whole. It is our understanding that the Administrator's sale process has not been completed.
“Dorset Council has bid for funds from the Government's Levelling Up program. We hope to hear about the bid in September. Any money we receive will be used along with the new owner's investment to bring Brewers Quay back into use as an important focus for this part of Weymouth.”