West Dorset District Council appointed Feria Urbanism to prepare a masterplan for Dorchester town centre.

We were tasked with preparing a cohesive strategy of issues such as maximising the potential of the town’s cultural assets; developing the health of the traditional high street; the future of the charter market; transport and parking; and public realm and pedestrian links.

The draft plan included a strategy for heritage, culture and tourism. The vision advises on maintaining the vibrancy of the retail centre and how the town will look and feel over time, notably the public realm and wayfinding methods. Consultation and engagement with a range of stakeholders was an essential part of the development of the masterplan — particularly to guide decisions based on the recommendations of previous studies and refine the options.