Published on Friday 22 May 2020
Hundreds of new homes will be a step closer to reality if BCP Council’s Cabinet approves a recommendation to purchase the former power station site in Hamworthy, Poole.
The Council has reached an agreement in principle to acquire the 40-acre brownfield site on Holes Bay with the landowners, L&Q Estates and Land Improvements Holdings.
This key location, which has been vacant for more than 20 years, is earmarked to deliver at least 830 new homes in the Local Plan and will help meet the Council’s target from Government of 2,500 new build homes a year, as well as provide jobs and commercial opportunities.
Councillor Mark Howell, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: "Regeneration of the former power station site on Holes Bay was a key objective of Poole Council for many years. Control of the site will give the Council the opportunity to deliver a new community which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. Regeneration of the site will also contribute to the revitalisation of Poole town centre and Hamworthy’s local centre, and strengthen Poole’s tourism offer."
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Developing vacant sites like Holes Bay is absolutely key in helping the Council meet its increased housing target. We have unmet housing needs so any site that can provide a minimum of 830 homes is much welcomed. However, it’s more than just the numbers: we have the opportunity to build high quality, sustainable housing, which can be an exemplar nationally, in line with our agenda to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. I’m delighted that we now have a proposal to bring this site forward."
The associated expenditure involved in purchasing the land has been made possible following a successful £5 million Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership granted to the Council in January this year.
Cabinet meets virtually on May 27 to discuss the formal recommendation to approve the purchase.