by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A Weymouth burger restaurant, which was hit by fire last year, could be turned into a training centre for up to 50 students.
If approved the plans will breathe new life into the site of the former Dorset Burger Company in King Street which was badly damaged by a fire in January 2025.
The proposals seek to provide a community café, shop, workshops, teaching space, a gym and a plant nursery – aimed at improving employment chances for young people with special educational needs.
A planning proposal from Skills Ability says the building will be operated by the Community Interest Company, See-SAW. It says after a few years the building could have up to 30 students on site at any one time with and additional 20 on work placements, supported by job coaches.
“The change will also allow for a significant number of community volunteer roles at the building and at Tumbledown Farm and we are working with the Volunteer Centre Dorset to ensure the maximum benefit to the community,” said the application to Dorset Council.
The building was a Royal British Legion Club from 1947 until 2006; re-opening briefly as a night club in 2008 before being taken over by the Dorset Burger Company in 2014.
The proposals for the Community Café and Shop will allow local people and visitors to access hot food and drink 5 days a week during term time, between 10am and 2pm.
In addition to the Café and Shop, the building will host Burger Nights as The Dorset Burger Company up to three nights a month to raise further money for good causes.
There has been some early support for the proposals, which remains open for public comment until early July.
Said one, Natalie Newman: “As a person that works with SEN adults, I believe Weymouth could really benefit from the incredible opportunities it will provide people with SEN, promoting them into employment and giving back to the community.”
Said another, Tim Creed from Broadmayne: “Anything that helps people with special educational needs should be supported. As its location is near good public transport links, it will allow easy access for clients. I do not believe there would be any significant impact on the local area.”
No significant changes are being proposed to the outside of the building.
Full details of the proposals can be found on the Dorset Council website using the planning reference P/FUL/2026/02638
