Next chapter for Weymouth: Council to decide on major regeneration plans

Dorset Council is preparing to take the next big step in shaping Weymouth’s future – creating new jobs, homes, cultural opportunities, and improving energy resilience across the county.

The proposals aim to transform Weymouth into a thriving coastal destination while supporting Dorset Council’s priorities for economic growth, and stronger communities, protecting Weymouth’s unique heritage while creating sustainable spaces for future generations. 

A partnership for change

As a first step, Cabinet will consider a proposal for the council to form a regeneration partnership with one of the UK's leading independent construction and property services company, Willmott Dixon, in collaboration with Milligan, an experienced real estate developer, to accelerate delivery and attract investment. If approved, this team will develop a detailed plan for Weymouth’s future, supported by studies and a business case. Public engagement is expected to begin in spring 2026, giving residents and businesses the chance to help shape these proposals.

Key projects for consideration

The programme focuses on several major sites and proposals for growth:

Weymouth Peninsula

A hotel-led development by Hall & Woodhouse, featuring hospitality, leisure, and improved public spaces. The working harbour will remain active, with flood protection and sustainability measures built in. Any proposal will need to meet planning, legal, and harbour requirements before progressing.

North Quay and Weymouth Bowl

Mixed-use developments with new homes and commercial space. The council is considering proposals from local developers, including Castletech Projects Ltd (Brewers Quay) and a partnership between Our Place and DJ Property, through a selective process focused on quality, sustainability, and community benefit. Final decisions will follow further due diligence and Cabinet approval.

The Heart of Weymouth Cultural and Visitor Centre

A proposed £1.1 million investment of Government funding to acquire The Rectory on St Thomas Street and transform it into a cultural hub. This project will be led by Weymouth Area Development Trust and will proceed once a viable business case and additional funding has been secured.

Weymouth University Proposal

Plans for a new Allied Health Professional University are progressing, with funding already allocated for a Dental Faculty. This proposal is being developed in partnership with Health Sciences University (HSU) and local NHS partners, creating new education and career opportunities for young people and helping retain talent in Dorset.

Progress already underway

Thanks to the Government funding awarded in 2023, regeneration in the town is already moving forward:

• Weymouth Bowl now demolished, archaeology planned for early 2026
• Harbour wall replacement works are underway at the Peninsula
• Acquisition of land at West Marina to unlock future development
• Redesign of road and improvement to public realm at North Quay is has begun. 

Next steps and safeguards

All proposals, if approved will go through strict legal, financial, and planning checks to ensure best value and alignment with the Weymouth Town Centre Masterplan. Conditions will ensure developments include affordable housing, sustainability features, and improved public spaces. Some projects remain subject to further approvals and funding agreements before work can begin.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:

“These proposals are all about creating a Weymouth where businesses thrive, families flourish, and visitors fall in love with our stunning coastline and vibrant community. It’s about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about building a future rooted in opportunity, identity, and pride. We’re investing in the heart of Weymouth to unlock its full potential, creating spaces that inspire innovation, support local enterprise, and which celebrate the town’s unique heritage and natural beauty.”

Anthony Woodhouse, chairman at Hall & Woodhouse, said: 

“We have a long and proud history in Weymouth. At the time of the Napoleonic Wars, our Founder, Charles Hall obtained a licence to supply five pints of beer per day to the 15,000 troops based in the town. Later, in 1854, we purchased our very first pub, The Ship, which remains a key site in our estate today.

“We are very excited about the potential opportunity to make this multi-million-pound investment into our Dorset heartland on the Weymouth Peninsula. While we’re at the embryonic stages of bringing this idea to life, we have an early concept in mind to create a stunning pub with rooms that honours Weymouth’s maritime heritage, for the use of locals and tourists alike.”

David Atkinson, National Head of Land and Development at Willmott Dixon, said:

“We’re thrilled by the opportunity to help Dorset Council in shaping Weymouth’s next chapter. It’s a town with incredible heritage, a strong sense of community and huge potential to become one of the South Coast’s most vibrant destinations.

"This would mark our third partnership with Milligan, working together to turn councils’ ambitions into reality and create town centres that help local communities thrive. If approved, this programme will deliver meaningful economic, social and environmental benefits - attracting investment, supporting local jobs and skills, and creating sustainable spaces that serve residents and welcome visitors all year round.”

Stuart Harris, CEO at Milligan, said:

“We are very excited by the opportunity to be working with Dorset Council and building on a strong track record of delivering coastal regeneration elsewhere in the UK and Europe. At Milligan, we specialise in curating places that blend leisure, culture, heritage and commerce creating spaces where people want to spend time, live, and invest. We’re excited to bring that experience to Weymouth and work with our partners to unlock its full potential.”

View the cabinet papers