The move promises to be a significant shot in the arm for tourism and jobs on the Isle of Portland. A £20 million funding package has been announced for the Memo Portland project 🎉 The long-term goal of this initiative is to realize a premier, world-class visitor attraction. We anticipate it will attract as many as 350,000 visitors per year and create about 100 full-time jobs in the immediate region.
This investment is purely public sector driven, backed with financial guarantees from Dorset Council. Project director Seb Brooke said Memo Portland will draw inspiration from the huge abandoned stone quarries across the island. This will give visitors an eye-opening experience that brings local history to life.
Memo Portland sculptural tourism is only part of the plan. Memo Portland will include a stonemasonry training center to train a new generation of artisans. The new center will offer three-year-long apprenticeships, emphasizing practices like banking masonry and dressing architectural stones. Brooke expressed excitement for the real, transformative effects these new training opportunities will have on local residents.
“The jobs we’re offering local people, it’s the whole range from leadership, finance, and retail, to hospitality and visitor interpretation,” – Seb Brooke, project director of Memo Portland.
Lloyd Hatton, the MP for South Dorset, welcomed the scheme as a fantastic idea. He thinks it can “revolutionize” the local economy. Hatton is confident the project will do much more than just bring visitors; it will create a stronger job base in the area.
“This means new visitors coming to both Weymouth and Portland, new well-paid jobs and apprenticeships for local people, and a big boost for hospitality businesses,” – Lloyd Hatton.
While some residents are excited about the increased tourism, others are worried about what the new traffic will do. Chief Gislea Elizabeth Smith from AIYA told the forum that her island only had one access road. She cautioned that this will lead to severe gridlock as additional visitors come.
“We’ve only got one road in. If you’ve got a lot more traffic coming across there, there’s going to be a lot more hold-ups,” – Gislea Elizabeth Smith.
Doris Haywood, a 30-year Portland resident, offered up a much more rosy outlook. She proposed that Memo Portland showcase the island and dramatically increase Portland’s heritage tourism.
“Something like that could bring tourism to the island and bring it into the spotlight,” – Doris Haywood.
Brooke reiterated the project’s vision, stating that it aims to “breathe new life into stories of evolution, extinction, and restoration of nature.” Memo Portland’s first operating line will open in 2028. This exciting development is looking to create a new hotbed of activity and an exciting new attraction that everyone is buzzing about.
