BCP Council completes purchase of regeneration site

The largest brownfield regeneration site in the South West has been bought by BCP Council following a successful £5 million Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The 40-acre site on the waterfront at Poole Harbour has been empty since the closure of the former Holes Bay power station in 1994.

Now in the ownership of the local authority, thanks to the investment secured by Dorset LEP via the government’s Local Growth Fund, plans for redeveloping the area will now proceed. This will see a major investment from the council, which will deliver up to 830 new homes for the community, as well unlocking employment land that will create new jobs and commercial opportunities.

‘This is great news for the people of Poole and the wider community,’ said Dorset LEP chair, Jim Stewart.

‘Fulfilling a key priority for Dorset LEP, the funding that we have secured for the acquisition of this specific site will ensure the delivery of additional housing in Dorset, stimulate further investment in the region and breathe new life into the local area.’

This project is part of Dorset LEP’s further investment in this important business region which is already benefitting from the £21.8 million Port of Poole Programme of infrastructure works to improve access to the area, including the port.

BCP Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, culture and economy, Cllr Mark Howell.

‘This is a huge step forward in our ambitious plans for Poole. We can now proceed in making a significant investment in a new community development which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. This will contribute to the revitalisation of Poole town centre and Hamworthy’s local centre, as well as strengthen Poole’s tourism offer.’

Photo Credit – Dorset LEP