by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A former building society site in Dorchester could become a tapas bar and pilates studio.
A planning application for the site, between the County Museum and Holy Trinity church in High West Street, asks for a change of use for only the ground floor of the building – the proposal coming from the owner of Fika in St Mary’s Street, Weymouth. It suggests that the new Dorchester business will bear the same name and offer a similar menu.
The planning application to Dorset Council says that the façade of the building will remain the same, with new signage, all the alterations taking place internally.
The proposal says the Café/Tapas bar will open Monday to Thursday 8am to 5.30pm and Friday until 11pm; Saturday 8am to 11pm and Sundays and bank holidays 10am to 6pm.
Public comments on the proposal, an amended version of a similar listed building application submitted earlier in the year, remain open until June 26th. That application had found favour with town councillors although Dorset Council will make the final decision.
The full details can be viewed on the Dorset Council website using reference P/FUL/2026/02811
