Simons Developments is to move forward its stalled plans to redevelop
The developer said the decision by West Dorset District Council would “breathe new life” into its retail-led
Development director Mark Newton said the company, selected as preferred developer for the council-owned site in 2006, would announce a new development timetable shortly.
He said: “We are delighted that the council has chosen the
“The offices will enhance the overall scheme considerably and make it an even better attraction for new retailers”
However, opposition councillors said the decision, taken without a formal tender being launched through the Official Journal of the European Union, was a “stitch-up” taken without proper consultation.
Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Harries said the decision was a “fait accompli” forced through by Conservatives, who picked
He said: “The scoring for the competition between the two developments was laughably skewed and it was a fait accompli what was going to be decided.
The council said
Leader Robert Gould said: “Moving offices is part of the council’s cost cutting review to reduce the burden on the tax payer in the long term. The council has had its headquarters in
“The development of
