by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A seafront bandstand is being planned for Weymouth Esplanade by the town council.
Plans for the structure, south of the Jubilee Clock, adjacent to the American D-Day memorial and a slipway to the beach, have been lodged with Dorset Council and are now open for public comment.
Weymouth Town Council say the new bandstand will continue a history of music by the sea, the town having several bandstands in its history from Victorian times.
To put the structure in place would mean a slight extension to the promenade to provide a firm, level base for the wooden decking, metal structure and glass reinforced plastic roof.
Said the town council is its application for planning consent:
“The Bandstand would provide an attractive location to accommodate music and theatre performances and a venue for wedding ceremonies. Access to the beach would be available from the bandstand, if required, via a removable section of railings and temporary steps.”
Previous bandstands have been further along the seafront close to the now partially-demolished Pier.
The town council says it hopes the new structure will be in keeping with the other, traditional, features of the seafront.
“The new Bandstand on the Esplanade would be a modern interpretation of an original traditional structure. The hexagonal layout would offer a traditional approach and would reflect the previous bandstands on the beach and promenade.
The construction would be in metal with the detailing of the columns and metal work matching the existing railings and the Victorian shelters on the Esplanade. Moulds of the columns and fret work are available to allow replicas to be manufactured. The roof would be clad in grey GRP to give the appearance of traditional lead with a metal finial to match the fret work.
The decking area would be less than 25 sq m finished in timber, supported on a metal frame with surfacing similar to that used for the decking at The Boat and The View cafes on The Esplanade.”
Weymouth Town Council has been asked what the time frame for building works might be, and the costs of the project.
Public comments on the proposal remain open until March 6th. The full details can be found on the Dorset Council website using reference P/FUL/2026/00467.
Weymouth Town Council say its proposals for a new bandstand on the seafront would be “an exciting addition to the seafront that could be used as the perfect backdrop for weddings , host outdoor theatre performances, or provide a space for military bands to play when we host armed forces services and events.”
It says the cost of the project, if approved for planning, is likely to be around £30,000 with additional costs of up to £1,000 for the planning/conservation application to Dorset Council ); other professional fees for architectural/structural engineer input if required (circa £5,000) and a Wedding Licence application (£1,400).
The council says all of the costs can all be met within the existing seafront strategy budget.
Said a spokesperson: “The provision of weddings and other bookings on the seafront will generate income in future years. The council has been contacted multiple times about the availability of weddings on the beach.”
