Weymouth's New Vic could go from bar to education centre
A planning application's been submitted to Dorset Council
The Weymouth Area Development Trust could find a new home at the ground floor of The New Vic on the town’s Esplanade.
A planning application has been lodged with Dorset Council for a change of use from a bar to education centre, offices and a soft play area.
The site is under the Fairhaven Hotel, a grade 2 listed building which would continue trading.
Documents with the application say that similar changes have been agreed elsewhere on the Esplanade and in the town centre conservation area: “The proposed change of use retains the building and surrounding high-quality architecture as well as the area’s verdant character. Retaining the property will preserve and enhance the listed building while viably utilising the space. Therefore this would cause no material harm to the listed building or the conservation area…the change of use will maintain the listed building and create a busy training centre that will benefit other restaurants, cafes and shops in the vicinity.”
The application adds that only minimal work will be carried out internally and will include two new partition walls.
If approved the centre will offer training in art, IT, hair and beauty and massage skills.