A SEAFRONT Weymouth building – formerly home to a convenience store – could be converted back into a home, if plans are approved.

A planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council by Boldhabit Ltd to renovate 80 The Esplanade.

The scheme would see the building, home to the Seafront Convenience Store until two years ago, restored to its “original Georgian appearance” and layout, according to the application.

“The building is now protected by listing while in previous years spoilt by alterations at ground floor to accommodate commercial premises,” it said.

“The proposal will restore the property to its original Georgian appearance to the street and re-open the basement pedestrian access imitative of the original neighbouring historic properties unspoilt by alterations undertaken prior to the creation of the Town Centre Conservation Area.

“Number 80 was radically altered in the last century to accommodate a shop at pavement level and several historic features were lost.

“Fortunately, some of the adjacent properties are unaltered, and their design and layout can be copied to restore number 80 to its original appearance.

“Restoring this listed building to its original aesthetic integrity will undoubtedly enhance the Conservation Area and set a positive precedent for other restorations using private funds.”

Design sketches of how 80 The Esplanade in Weymouth could look. Picture: Boldhabit/Dorset Council

Work would reinstate a traditional front door entrance to the building, along with access to the basement.

“The historic railings would also be replaced providing a balustrade to the new steps and a guard to the reopened basement stairwell currently concealed under the pavement,” it went on.

“This would also enable restoration of steps to the basement from pavement level as found in the original Georgian properties.

“Where the existing shop front is removed, new sash-style timber windows would be added proportional to the existing original windows on the property at first and second floor levels.”

It said the scheme has been brought forward as efforts to find new tenants for the shop have proved unsuccessful.

For more details on the scheme, and to comment, log on to dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/FUL/2024/00506.