Cruise ship coaches to use ex-council office site

Shuttle buses will use the central Weymouth site to drop off cruise passengers

Coaches taking cruise ship passengers off an island will soon use a former council office site for drop-offs and pick-ups.

The shuttle bus service, which transports people between Portland Port and Weymouth town centre, is expected to begin using North Quay car park at the end of June.

The former offices of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council were demolished earlier this year.

Located next to Weymouth Harbour, the site has since been turned into a temporary 238-space car park.

Island cruise calls bring about £10m to the local economy, Portland Port says

A spokesperson said worries had previously been voiced about traffic in the surrounding area.

"Although concerns remain about congestion on Boot Hill and traffic implications, the plan is to switch to North Quay now that the car park is open," they said.

Portland Port has performed a trial run with a bus to test the facility - but said it still needed to carry out risk assessments and put up signs.

“The site will be monitored and reviewed to ensure it meets with the satisfaction of the local community along with cruise line guests," the spokesperson added.

An exact date for the service to begin is yet to be confirmed.

Demolition of the former council offices began in December

The site can be used as temporary car park for up to three years while plans to develop the harbourside site are decided, according to Dorset Council.

Work to knock down and clear the building, carry out an archaeological excavation and build the car park came to £800,000.

Dorset Council has been approached for further comment.