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

Situated in Hamworthy, on the waterfront at Poole Harbour, the 40 acre site was left vacant following the closure of the former Holes Bay power station in 1994. Being in close proximity to Poole town centre, the commercial Port of Poole and neighbouring residential areas, it has since been designated as an important area for future regeneration and investment by the council.

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.

Jim Stewart, Chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is great news for the people of Poole and the wider community. 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.’’

Councillor Mark Howell, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Culture and Economy, said: ‘’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.’’

Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “I am delighted that the council can now move forward with delivering a vast number of new homes at this long derelict site. This will include high quality sustainable housing for the local community, which can be an exemplar nationally and be delivered in line with our agenda to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

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.