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

The work will see the southern half of Charles Street short stay car park (226 spaces) close from 6 June.

To help compensate, 154 spaces will convert from long to short stay in the nearby Wollaston Field Car Park to encourage shoppers into the town centre and support local businesses.

Parkers will also be able to use the Fairfield Car Park (594 spaces), where research shows that at least 72 vacant spaces are available at all times, apart from Wednesdays when the market takes place.

Signage will be put up around the town and a map produced with car park locations in Dorchester to help drivers find the right parking space for their stay.

District council Leader Robert Gould said:

“We do understand that there may be some  concern about disruption during work but we are putting arrangements in place to minimise this wherever possible.

“I would like assure people that we are committed to making sure it is business for usual for Dorchester and free parking on weekends and evenings will continue.

“We have already frozen short-stay parking charges for the sixth year running as part of our parking strategy, which aims to encourage people to visit the town.

“The long-term benefits of the overall scheme, which includes a new  485 space underground car park and toilets, will outweigh any short-term inconvenience while work takes place.”

The district council will also be changing parking arrangements for its staff to help free up many more town centre spaces for the public and workers.

This will see all district council workers with permits for Dorchester town centre car parks relocated to park & ride sites in Weymouth or Dorchester depending on where they live.

Phase one of the Charles Street project will see the district council move into smaller, greener offices and includes a new library and adult learning centre provided and paid for by Dorset County Council.

Phase two will provide more than 20 new shops, a bigger Waitrose, 485 new public parking spaces, hotel, affordable homes and public toilets.

This part of the scheme represents £60 million of private sector investment in Dorchester, bringing 660 jobs – not including council workers.

(Links marked with "" open in a new window)

For more information, please contact:
	West Dorset District Council Stratton House 58-60 High West Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UZ Twitter: #wddc	Or email us: c.services@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk Or call us: 01305 251010 Or fax us: 01305 251481