Ideas wanted for revamp of two major seaside sites

The former bowling alley site will be levelled off and turned into a temporary car park while plans are finalised

Ideas are wanted for the future of two major sites in a seaside town.

The MFA Bowl building and North Quay in Weymouth have been earmarked for redevelopment by Dorset Council, as part of wider plans to regenerate the area.

North Quay used to house the now-defunct Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's offices, while the 18-lane bowling alley shut down in 2019.

Developers are being encouraged to submit proposals to the local authority by early November.

Demolition of the former council offices began in December

The office building at North Quay, which had been derelict since 2016, was demolished earlier this year.

Located next to Weymouth Harbour, the site was turned into a temporary 238-space car park and used for drop-offs and pick-ups by cruise ship coaches.

It can remain as a car park for up to three years while development plans are finalised.

The bowling alley building on St Nicholas Street will be knocked down later this year and the site will also be used as a temporary car park, with 149 spaces.

The car park on the MFA Bowl site will generate money for the council

About £19.5m of Levelling Up Funding was awarded to Weymouth by the government in 2023.

Dorset Council said these were the first two of four key sites to be put forward for redevelopment.

Richard Biggs, the authority's member for property and assets and economic growth, said he hoped to see some "strong, robust" ideas from developers.

“This is a real milestone moment," he said, adding: "Weymouth is already a national and international visitor destination, offering outstanding natural heritage, sea-to-plate dining experiences and an award-winning beach."

"Breathing new life into the town through regeneration will enhance those qualities and maximise further opportunities for growth.”

A shuttle bus service, which transports cruise passengers between Portland Port and Weymouth town centre, now stops at North Quay

Selling the sites at their market values would be the easiest option, according to Mr Biggs.

"But we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring improvements to Weymouth through high quality, sustainable developments which will stimulate economic growth and bring long-lasting benefits for local people," he said.

Across the two sites, the council would ideally like a mix of housing, including affordable homes, and "commercial enterprise opportunities".

Mr Biggs added plans should be "achievable and realistic".

Local people will also be asked for their views on how they see these sites being used in the future.