A proposed new approach to council-owned Weymouth hotels

A proposed new approach to managing council-owned hotels in Weymouth is currently under discussion. The final decision will not be decided until a report is considered by elected councillors in several months’ time.

 Dorset Council owns 60 guesthouses and hotels in the town. They want to manage this estate in a way that is good for the visitor economy in Weymouth. It is part of a wider plan to regenerate Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell’s economic future.

Historically the properties were owned by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. When local government was reorganised in 2019, they were transferred to Dorset Council.

Most leases were granted by the borough council in the 2000s. These tenancies are as varied as the properties themselves. They vary in length from 10 years and longer, with a range of different responsibilities for repair and maintenance depending upon the individual lease.

The council has received feedback from leaseholders that the service they currently receive hasn’t met the highest standards.

The proposal is that an external agent would be appointed to manage the stock and liaise with tenants, giving them a single point of contact and ensuring that there is a consistent approach to repairs and maintenance of the properties.

There will, also, be a reinstatement of the industry standard of regular rent reviews. Due to several reasons, including COVID, these assessments have not been carried out since 2019. The reviews will be negotiated on an individual basis because each lease and property is different and could include phasing in any rent rises. Any increase will be evidence-based using local market data. 

The proposed external agent will need to have local south coast market expertise and knowledge of managing properties in seaside towns.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:

“We recognise how important our hotels, and the Georgian seafront is to Weymouth and the visitor economy.

“And that the service they have received from us has not been of the highest standard. This proposal aims to correct this situation.

“We, also, have a responsibility to consider the long-term future of council-owned properties and how we can get the best value for the residents of Dorset.”