Cllr Ray Bryan, our Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment has made a statement in respect of the proposed ferry service returning to Weymouth.
“The business plan that Dorset Council received from Weymouth Town Council, in respect of a proposed ferry service returning to Weymouth, fell far short of the professional standard we would expect to see in such a proposal.
Weymouth Town councillors were given 12 months to conduct a feasibility study and submit a fully costed business plan. But the proposal submitted was weak, was not received in good time, nor did it address several key considerations. In addition, only very vague costings had been included, and no thought was given to the loss of Dorset Council’s current income streams from parking at the peninsula, or the Council’s obligations to its current Harbour clients. No thought had been given to the costs associated with a modern-day ferry service, such as border force security, dredging, pilotage and the impact of additional cars on the peninsula, which would undoubtedly affect local people and businesses.
The offer on the table from Weymouth Town Council was for a one day per week ferry service from Weymouth to the Channel Islands for 30 weeks of the year which, in our view, is not a workable proposal. To make it feasible, Dorset Council would have needed a commitment for the provision of a ferry service which operates all year round and offers a daily service to multiple destinations, not just the Channel Islands. In its present form, the business case put forward is a non-starter.
Dorset Council put its own plans and ambitions for the regeneration of this site on hold for more than a year so Weymouth Town Council could explore the ferry option. As it has disappointingly failed to produce anything of note, we will look into financially-sound regeneration opportunities for the peninsula area which we hope will bring benefits to residents, businesses and visitors to Weymouth and will breathe new life into this significant area of the town.”
Just because a business plan to bring back the ferry has not been completed comprehensively does not mean that in principle it is not a good idea. Condor only went to Poole due to the condition of the larger birth that they wanted to use being in need of repair (at great cost), but would still prefer to operate from Weymouth as the crossing is shorter and enables day trips. The tourist industry is very significant to the Weymouth economy, and the birthing charges can be significant, and also still allow for parking. A ferry service also increases the income to businesses in the town and council owned seafront hotels (with one night stays all year round prior to sailing). Do we really need more flats that end up as second homes with a view??? I would urge the Dorset Council to look at acquiring a proper business plan before they dismiss this option.
Thanks for your comment. As Cllr Tony Ferrari commented this morning on the Dorset Echo website, the option of a ferry service returning to Weymouth is now a closed door. The ferry company were only prepared to offer Weymouth one crossing per week to Guernsey for 30 x weeks of the year which is not enough for Dorset Council or Weymouth Town Council to take any further as it is not in the best interests of local people. Plans to sell off the land at the peninsula for flats is not one of the options we will now be exploring. Thanks, Kirstie
Good to know the Peninsular will not be sold for flats. Why not use half of it for parking ( it was full when I went there recently) and the rest for an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor water play area. Visitors with young children need somewhere, not too expensive, to take them when the weather is bad.
Thanks for your comment. Before anything is done with the peninsula we’ll ask local people for their thoughts and suggestions so please do contribute your ideas to that consultation when it is live. We will promote the links to the consultation on our website and social media channels, and we usually have hard copies to give out at our libraries. Kirstie.
Why couldn’t the ferry anchor of in the harbour and have
Smaller boats take passengers out to board .or has nobody thought of this.
What a high handed arrogant statement. If Weymouth councillors believe this is the right venture for THEIR town who are DCC to overrule them. An initial one sailing per week service during the summer months seem eminently reasonable.
Ships have a BERTH to tie up to NOT a birth. So many people will get in a muddle if this mistake is not pointed out.
A ferry service would be so good for Weymouth and the surrounding area. For well over 10 years, all other proposals for the peninsula have been a farce. If Dorset Council think Weymouth Council’s proposal falls short, then perhaps they would have the goodness to get on board and assist. Please don’t continue the farce with more off key suggestions.
What a sad commentary on Weymouth and its local authorities! Poole is a very unsuitable ferry port that is not only somewhat further from the islands, but has to cross the path of a busy chain-ferry, wind through a narrow, congested , shallow channel and squeeze into an unsuitable dock. Ships are able to approach Weymouth at close to top speed until quite close in, and although the harbour is a bit challenging for larger vessels, turning in the Bay is a safe and straightforward operation. The facilities at Weymouth will have to be repaired and maintained anyway, and once the facilities are back up to scratch other ferries will come. Yet again, there’s a singular lack of ambition in this sleepy little town. Other towns fight for ferries, and for example, Harbourside heritage tramways, but Weymouth can only see more elderly retiree flats and unlimited parking for beech-bound day-trippers
A smaller ferry ship but more frequent service from Portland Port would make some good sense.
Easier access for ships. Docking facilities Plenty of parking. No congestion caused along the Weymouth seafront.
Would Portland Port consider a partnership I wonder?
Trevor Ware.
I fear that a Dorset Council “financially-sound” solution might not necessarily meet the needs of Weymouth Town. So far all I’ve seen is a plan for a budget hotel and a few apartments which will not improve visitor experience.
As for the comment about loss of parking revenue which seems to be a significant element of DC logic, they have to recognise that any solution will impact parking revenue and this cannot be allowed to influence a viable solution.
How about a miniature Eden Dome – all year round attraction.
We definitely need a ferry service to France as we used to have. Why not use Portland Port for this as it already has the docking facilities where the cruise ships anchor and sheltered docking. 4 hours to Cherbourg would serve a large community.