The long-empty Dolphin Square in Weston-super-Mare is a step closer to being developed into a residential area, thanks to a substantial grant of over £1.7m from the UK government. The funding is part of the brownfield land release fund to prepare sites for housing.
The central location of the site has made it an attractive prospect for development. Despite significant challenges in previous plans due to economic instability and high inflation, the grant is expected to facilitate the construction of 112 new homes, the majority of which will be affordable housing.
Mark Canniford, executive member for spatial planning, placemaking, and economy at North Somerset Council, expressed excitement about the project and emphasized the council’s commitment to mixed-tenure development and creating vibrant, diverse communities. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also highlighted the government’s support for repurposing disused areas into livable spaces that contribute to economic growth and infrastructure development.
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Dolphin Square, now under the ownership of North Somerset Council, holds a significant place in the council’s development strategy for building much-needed homes. The site had been considered for interim use as a street food hub, but the focus now is on actualizing its potential for housing development.
The brownfield land release fund has also allocated grants to neighboring councils, demonstrating a broader commitment to tackling housing challenges in the region.