Public realm and drainage improvements for Fairfield Road, Dorchester

Pedestrian access between Dorchester's railway stations, Fairfield Road car park and Brewery Square is to be enhanced with new planting, trees, seating and drainage improvements when work starts on Monday 28 September 2026.

This is the final phase of improvements, following previous works completed in 2024 the eastern end of Fairfield Road was pedestrianised.

A greener and more welcoming route will be created, while tackling longstanding drainage issues affecting the adjacent car park and surrounding area.

The new planting beds are designed to collect and filter rainwater from the car park surface, allowing it to soak naturally into the ground instead of entering the drainage system. 

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

"The work completed in 2024 made a real difference, particularly for people transferring between the railway stations or walking between the car park, Brewery Square and the town centre.

"This final phase will complete the scheme by adding planting, trees and seating, creating a more attractive space where people can stop and spend time.

"We're also addressing drainage issues that have affected the area for many years, and we look forward to seeing local people and visitors enjoy the finished space."

Cllr Molly Rennie, Chair of the Dorchester Joint Markets Panel, Dorchester Town Council, said:

“Dorchester Town Council is delighted to see the final phase of the Fairfield Road improvements getting underway. The new trees, planting and seating will create a more attractive and welcoming space, while the drainage works will address longstanding issues. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy the completed scheme.”

To enable the work to be carried out safely, the pedestrianised section of Fairfield Road will be closed 24 hours a day from Monday 28 September for around nine weeks. Alternative pedestrian routes through the car park and market area will remain available throughout the works.

Dorchester Market will continue to operate as normal. To help keep pedestrians safe on market days, no machinery movements will take place on Wednesdays, although other construction activities will continue. As a result, progress may be less visible on some Wednesdays during the project.

Before the 2024 improvements, Fairfield Road had no dedicated pedestrian footways, two-way through traffic and on-street parking, making it more difficult to navigate on foot.

Dorset Council has worked closely with Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Market on the scheme. The public realm improvements were agreed as part of planning consent granted in November 2023 to enhance the area. Funding to support the scheme has come from Dorchester Town Council, Dorchester Market and from Great Western Railway Customer and Community Improvement Fund.