Largest brownfield regeneration project in the southwest moves forward with community consultation event

The former Holes Bay power station at Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. A public engagement organised by urban regeneration company FuturePlaces, commissioned by landowner BCP Council, is underway. This will consider the future of the site as a new waterfront quarter and as an urban village with a range of facilities and up to circa 900 homes. The site has lain empty for 26 years to date.

Community consultation is underway for the largest brownfield regeneration site of its kind in South-West England. The 40-acre waterfront site at Hamworthy, Poole Harbour, has been vacant following the closure of Holes Bay power station 26 years ago. Local residents have the opportunity to help shape its future as an urban village with a series of have-your-say drop-in sessions in person and virtual.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, as landowner, commissioned urban regeneration company FuturePlaces to bring forward recommendations for a new waterfront quarter and urban village.

Gail Mayhew, managing director, FuturePlaces, said: “The former Holes Bay power station is the largest brownfield regeneration site in the South-West and we have in place an extensive public consultation process which reflects the importance of the area to current and future generations of local people.

“We have already been working with local businesses and community groups to find out what’s important in any future development at Holes Bay and are now looking to hear from the wider community. Our vison is to create an inspirational new waterfront quarter urban village for the community, creating new jobs, commercial opportunities and inward investment.

“With its proximity to Poole town centre, the commercial Port of Poole and neighbouring residential areas, the waterfront site has been designated as an important area for future regeneration and investment by the council.

“This is another big step forward with our ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and community groups - we want to bring forward plans that are shaped by local people; opinions and ideas matter to us.”

Gail said: “This is an opportunity for people to share photos and images of architecture, green space, public realm and building material that they have seen used elsewhere that they would like to see in the Holes Bay development.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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