Decision details

Reason for the Decision

The Weymouth Quay Regeneration project has been delayed over the last 4 years for a number of reasons including the covid pandemic, but also the resulting insolvency of the main contractor who had been selected to carry out the work. Inflationary increases in materials and fluctuating costs have made it difficult for contractors to quote for the work, but we are now able to go into contract with Knights Brown to deliver the quayside work. The improvements that are to be made to the quayside will improve the public realm and provide support to harbour users and commercial fishermen with the intention of sustaining and creating employment. The improvements will also generate additional income to the harbour and improve harbour facilities.

Alternative Options considered and rejected

N/A

Consultees

Cllr Mark Roberts, Chair of the Harbour Advisory Committee

Budget Implications

The harbour reserve was forecasted at the June 2023 Harbours Advisory Committee to hold in excess of £2.9m at the end of the 2023/24 financial year. It is likely with additional parking income from the peninsula and other car parks belonging to the harbour that this amount will be higher. 

Legal Implications

The Weymouth Harbour Revision Order states that (3) Any reserve fund established or maintained under this article shall from time to time be applied by the Council in its discretion­ (a) in or towards meeting any deficiency on the harbour revenue account in any year; or (b) to meet any extraordinary claim or demand in respect of the harbour undertaking; or (c) in or towards payment of the cost of renewing, improving, extending or replacing any part of the works forming part of the harbour undertaking or any vessels, plant or equipment of the Council connected to the .harbour undertaking; or (d) for improving the operational area and the navigation of the harbour and the approaches to the harbour; or (e) for any other lawful purpose sanctioned by the Council and connected with the harbour undertaking.

The use of part of the Harbour reserve for the purpose proposed meets the requirements of the HRO.

Any Conflict of Interest?

None

Approve the use of Harbour Reserve funds up to £400k