MP says closing Dorchester council offices could open up opportunities
South Walks House should attract the attention of entrepreneurs according to West Dorset's Chris Loder
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
MP for West Dorset Chris Loder says the closure of South Walks House could open up other opportunities for the town.
Dorset Council made recommendations to close the building yesterday, just seven years after it was opened.
They say the building which was once used by West Dorset District Council is surplus to requirements now that the council has become one unitary authority.
The move has been openly criticised by many who say the building was a waste of taxpayer money from the start, costing nearly £10 million.
That still leaves the question of what should happen next to the council offices – which could be something of an exciting prospect, according to Chris Loder.
He said:
“It is unfortunate that a new building is being left, it could also prove a brilliant opportunity to encourage entrepreneurs and new smaller businesses and even the Civil Service to come to Dorchester.”
What comes next?
It’s not currently known what the building might become, and before that can be discussed the plans have to go through Dorset Council’s Scrutiny Committee at the end of the month.
“South Walks house is a brilliant facility. It has lots of modern features. I don’t think that building will go to waste and I’m doing as much as I can to ensure that the longevity of that building and let's face it, for the benefit of the county town as well, that that office is populated.
“I have made three representations to the Cabinet Office as part of their relocation of the Civil Service, to make sure that Dorchester features on the Cabinet Office plan of relocation out of London to across the country.
“I think there is a case to be put and an initiative to explore for maybe making at least some of that building hotdesking facility for people who need to work in town, for those who maybe need the facilities that building can offer.”