Ex-military hospital to become entertainment venue

A derelict former military hospital is to be transformed into a microbrewery and entertainment venue.

The building, in Dorchester's Grove trading estate, has been empty for 25 years.

Plans also include a cafe and space for activities such as yoga and crafts.

The project, which has gained planning consent from Dorset Council, will likely be part-paid for through crowdfunding.

The venue in Miller's Close will include two performance areas on two levels - one with a stage.

The microbrewery will be on the ground floor, along with a reception and ticket office.

The brewing equipment will come from the town's Copper Street Brewery whose owners are behind the plans.

A previous application to convert the building into flats was rejected on the grounds that the trading estate was not a suitable place for homes.

Dorchester town planning and environment committee chairman Ralph Ricardo said: "I've not seen anyone prepared to create a music venue in the town for 30 years."