'We will rebuild' vow owners of building next to collapsed cafe in Dorchester
The Gorge Cage was involved in a devastating fire, just before Christmas
The owners of a building next to the collapsed Gorge Cafe in Dorchester’s South Street says they remain keen to rebuild.
Planning permission for a refurbishment to the former newsagents site was approved recently, having been submitted months before the disastrous fire.
Dorchester independent councillor, Les Fry, who has just arranged a behind the barriers visit, says the situation is “staggeringly complex” although everything possible is being done to return the street to something approaching normal – although it is likely to take a great deal of time to sort out.
Nobody has been prepared to even guess at a timescale.
Further survey works is expected to soon be completed with the hope that clearance works and safety construction works to secure the adjoining buildings will begin “in the next few weeks.”
Cllr Fry has praised Dorset Council for the efforts its staff have made to try and get a resolution as quickly as possible – although it is not the authority’s responsibility.
The Dorchester councillor had arranged a visit, aided by Dorset Council Building Control, for fellow Dorset Council and Town councillors and members of the town’s business community, behind the barricades.
Cllr Fry says the visit revealed the extent of the damage not just to the three main buildings impacted by the fire, but to the buildings opposite where windows have been broken by the heat from the fire and other damage caused.
“People have said why can’t that side of the street be re-opened, but to do so would probably involve having to build a covered walkway to protect pedestrians from anything which might fall, including brickwork and glass,” he said.
He says there remains a real possibility that the adjoining buildings to the Gorge Cafe could see further collapses, especially if the area continues to be battered by storms.
“Dorset Council building Control are leading on coordinating the work to ensure the area is safe before allowing access to the public. It is appreciated that the barriers are inconvenient for shoppers and had a negative impact for some retailers, please bear with us a little longer as safety is paramount,” said Cllr Fry.
Meanwhile the owners of the former Lewis Meeson newsagents, next to the Gorge Café, have been granted planning permission for a refurbishment of their site, which stretches back to a former tattoo parlour in Trinity Street, with flats above.
The application was submitted months before the fire and, despite the blaze, the owners say they would still like to see the refurbishment project go ahead, if at all possible.
Planning project manager Jonathan Turvey from Western Design Architects says his client is still keen – but has seen the plans put on hold.
“Regrettably, we are unable to progress at the moment as the party wall with the Gorge Café has now completely collapsed, leaving the side of our clients property completely open and exposed.
“Once the area has been made safe, we will inspect the site and, working with Dorset Council, will look to see what can be done on the site. Our client remains keen to carry out works on the site, but much remains to be decided.”
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