Phase one of the development is construction of district council offices and county council library and adult learning centre.  Work on phase one started in June 2011.

Phase two will be mixed-use retail development

This scheme aims to enhance the vibrancy of Dorchester town centre and includes:

• 23 new shops

• A new underground public car park with 485 spaces

• A hotel

• Affordable homes

• New public toilets

• A public library and adult education centre provided and paid for by Dorset County Council

• Offices and separate parking occupied and paid for by the district council

• Represents £60 million private investment

• 660 new jobs (not including council jobs)

A planning application (opens in a new window) for the comprehensive development of the site was received in April 2010 and determined in September 2010. 

The site is at Charles Street in Dorchester, just to the east of the main retail area of South Street, the prime shopping area of this historic market town. The site has been primarily used for public car parking and once the development is complete, will include a 485 space underground car park.

The district council chose property development and construction group Simons as its preferred developer. Simons has worked up a scheme in consultation with the public. Construction company Cowlin are the building contractor and work on phase one of the scheme (council offices and library) started in June 2011.

To view the progress on the Charles Street Development, you can view pictures on our Flickr page (opens in a new window) .

• West Dorset District Council office relocation

  West Dorset District Council is to downsize by moving from its current buildings to smaller, greener and more modern offices on the proposed Charles Street development. Read information about the offices and frequently asked questions here.

• Dorchester parking

  Arrangements are in place to minimise disruption to parking in Dorchester while building work starts on the Charles Street site.

• Archaeology at the Charles Street Site

  Archaeological work is taking place on the Charles Street site as construction continues.

• Name: Engineering (West Dorset)
  Email: engineers@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252356
  Fax: 01305 252349
  Full details for Engineering (West Dorset)