Dear Members,
I wanted to drop you a line with my formal response to the news that the Developers Simons are not looking to proceed with Charles Street Phase 2.
I have spoken to West Dorset District Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser today and I believe that the Chamber’s view is in line with the Council’s current thinking.
The Chamber is clearly disappointed Simons are not proceeding with Phase 2 of the Charles Street development. But it does give a chance for the town to re-think exactly what we need in terms of retail and accommodation for the good of the town.
The recommendations to be discussed at the Council Executive meeting 8 September 2015 are:
To commission SWAP to undertake an audit of the Charles Street project to identify any learning points in particular the management of risk.
To establish an informal Member ‘task and finish’ Charles Street Development Working Group with political proportional representation with the principal purpose of progressing this important priority regeneration project.
The Chamber will continue to ensure that your views are represented in our discussions with WDDC over Charles Street.
Best wishes
Steve Bulley
Dorchester Chamber President
01305 443210
