Simons gets the go-ahead for Dorchester development
Published: 12 October, 2010
Simons has won planning permission for a major town centre redevelopment in Dorchester, Dorset.
The £60m mixed-use scheme will be built in the Charles Street area of the town and will include 13,421 sq m of new retail space, a 485 space underground car park, a hotel, 18 affordable homes, offices, library and 1,500 sq m of green space.
Mark Newton, development director for Simons, said: “This scheme will be of real long-term benefit to Dorchester and the surrounding area. By significantly improving the retail offer, we hope to attract many more shoppers to the town, providing a real boost for Dorchester’s existing retailers.
“The Charles Street site has been earmarked for regeneration for a number of years, and many other developers’ plans have come and gone. We are delighted that we have been able to produce the right scheme at the right time.”
The planning committee chair, Cllr Fred Horsington, said: “The committee felt that the Charles Street site offers the best option to expand Dorchester town centre. The proposal meets Government policy of focusing new shops and offices in or next to existing town centres.
"The committee concluded that the scheme presents a unique opportunity to improve the special appeal of Dorchester and reinforce its role as the county town."
Architects Keith Neill-Smith, Simons Design and Carey Jones and planning specialists Freeth Cartwright are working with Simons on the development.
