Business Parks

Dorset has a number of high performing business parks.  Aviation Park (opens in a new window) at Bournemouth Airport near Christchurch has an extensive industrial sector for aviation and other advanced technology businesses with a recent planning application submitted for a further 35 acres extension, main tenants include FRA Aviation, Bombardier Aerospace, GA Telesis, Siemens VAI Metals Technology, Meggitt, Honeywell and Babcock Defence & Security.

Dorset Green (opens in a new window)  Technology Park near Dorchester, the de-commissioned section of the former Winfrith Nuclear Research Centre, is a business park suitable for research and development, environmental and high technology businesses, the main anchor tenants being Atlas Elektronik and Qinetiq.

Weymouth and Portland is developing as a centre of excellence for the marine sector. Osprey Quay is a development at the former Royal Naval Air Station at Chiswell on the Isle of Portland, whose profile is being assisted by the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosting all the sailing events in 2012.

New developments are the Dean & Reddyhoff Portland Marina, the Marine Business Centre with a further extension already planned and a mixed use scheme at Castle Court. Sunseeker International have developed a manufacturing base at Osprey Quay. Plans are also underway to bring forward business and employment opportunities at the Weymouth Gateway (opens in a new window)  site now the Weymouth Relief Road is open.

Other commercial property

Many of Dorset's farmers and landowners are looking into ways of enhancing their farm incomes through diversification activities such as the conversion of redundant farm buildings into offices, studios and workshops. There is a commercial property database for marketing and searching available land and premises in the area which is available at the Property Pilot Search (opens in a new window)  website.  

The local authorities also have a range of land and premises both to let and for sale. For example, Dorset County Council manages a County Farms Estate to provide a 'gateway' into farming for persons to farm on

• Commercial property search

  Looking to start-up, expand or relocate within Dorset? 'Property Pilot' offers a free service to those searching for commercial property in the area.

• Planning process for businesses

  Planning is concerned with ensuring that the location and appearance of new developments do not adversely impact upon the surrounding area. This page does not attempt to go through the entire planning process for businesses but instead signposts sources of further information and guidance.