Cultural centre plan for former Weymouth rectory

The Rectory has previously been used as a pub, a cinema and a theatre.

A historical town centre building which has been empty for more than a decade could be turned into a visitor and cultural centre.

The Rectory in Weymouth's St Thomas Street - formerly the Clipper pub - was bought by DJ Property in 2024.

Proposals include a performance space, art gallery, learning space and retail outlets, with guest accommodation on the upper floors.

The project is being led by Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT) which works to bring buildings back into community use.

Mickey Jones from DJ Property said the interior features of the building were stunning

Chris Wilson from WADT said: "We like to show how the community can make things happen by partnering up and working together.

"The Rectory was brought to our attention by the community and has been on our radar since 2018.

"We are looking to repurpose it so it'll be a dynamic hub for cultural groups, artists, historians, schools and visitors, offering exhibitions, performances, workshops and community events."

WADT has been fundraising for the scheme and they should find out later this month if an application for a project-development grant has been successful.

The idea has already gained widespread support, including from South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton, who said the building had "been empty for far too long".

The two Georgian town houses were previously knocked into one

Since buying the Rectory in 2024, DJ Property has completed a £250,000 revamp, replacing the windows and doors and refurbishing the roof and staircases.

Chief executive Mickey Jones said: "As a local business we couldn't sit back and see such a beautiful building decline.

"It's got the two most amazing staircases, shuttering around the windows.

"This is a beautiful building with a rich history and it's quite exciting to have a project like this right in the middle of the town centre."

The grade II listed Rectory was originally two houses but over the years has been repurposed as a theatre, a cinema and, most recently, a pub which closed in 2013.