Cafe fire collapse halts neighbouring shop revamp

A collapsed building at the centre of a terrace of three storey buildings with shops at street level. All that is left of the collapsed section is a blackened steel beam that stretches across the top of the former shop front. A huge pile of bricks and charred wood spills out across the road.Image source, Dorset Council
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The party wall between the cafe and the newsagents building has collapsed

  • Published

Owners of a building that partially collapsed when a cafe next door was destroyed by fire say they are keen to rebuild it.

The former newsagents in Dorchester had been set for a refurbishment before the blaze tore through the Gorge Cafe on 9 December.

The project's architect said the plans have been put on hold after the party wall collapsed, leaving the building's interior exposed.

The entire section of the pedestrianised shopping street remains sealed off amid fears of further collapses.

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The section of South Street remains cordoned off due to safety concerns

Jonathan Turvey, of Western Design Architects, said: "Regrettably, we are unable to progress at the moment...

"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. 

"Our client remains keen to carry out works on the site, but much remains to be decided."

The plans involve a new shop front, including a new external door and steps to serve the flat above the shop, a new roof and external alterations.

Multiple signs in front of a wooden fence that's sealing off part of the shopping street. One has a map and reads South Street partially closed, diversion. Another says road closed. Others mention specific businesses and have arrows to direct people for access.
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Councillor Les Fry said there was a danger of falling bricks and glass

Following a visit behind the barriers, Dorchester West councillor Les Fry described the situation as "staggeringly complex".

He said people had questioned why the opposite side of the street could not be opened.

"To do so would probably involve having to build a covered walkway to protect pedestrians from anything that might fall, including brickwork and glass," he said.

"Dorset Council building control are leading on co-ordinating 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."

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