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News

Government Boost for Poole’s Regeneration

Poole’s Twin Sails initiative and other ambitious plans for the town have received a welcome boost from the Government.  In a parliamentary announcement, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper has recognised the important work being done in Poole to bring about the regeneration of brown field sites and deliver much-needed housing. 

As a result of a bid from the Council, a provisional funding allocation of £780,000 from Secretary of State Ruth Kelly’s Department for Communities and Local Government is being made to help in bringing this about. Poole is among 29 towns, up and down the country, whose positive efforts in trying to address housing needs have been acknowledged.

Cllr Ron Parker, Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy, said: “This is another indication of the importance of  Poole’s regeneration area, and we very much welcome the additional support being offered by Ruth Kelly’s Department.  It is particularly gratifying that we are now getting our message across and that Poole and the rest of South East Dorset are more widely recognised as making a very significant contribution to the regional and, indeed, national economy.  It is a welcome recognition by Government that as a severely under funded Council, our strenuous representations have been acknowledged and support given to one of the largest regeneration schemes in the South West.”

Poole is one of the least affordable places in the country for local people to buy a home and the Council’s Housing Strategy identifies an urgent need for more affordable homes. The Twin Sails initiative, and other proposals for the town centre, will help to deliver more homes and secure the future vitality of the town through its careful regeneration. The Government’s recognition of this work and offer of financial support will greatly assist the Council’s efforts to match the new housing, commercial development and jobs with the necessary transport improvements.

The provisional funding allocation is being made in 2007-8 to:

·         carry out detailed transport studies and forecasts both locally and across South East Dorset, which will help to ensure that development is accompanied by improved accessibility;

·         improve slipways before the Twin Sails bridge is built to minimise any loss of access to the harbour; and

·         secure the legal rights from the Crown Estate, needed for development which affects navigable waters and the seabed.

John McBride, Chief Executive of The Borough of Poole, added: “The announcement represents positive relationships with the Government and, as we embark on a crucial stage in our regeneration, we hope that this relationship will result in further practical assistance in the years after 2008.”

The announcement can be viewed on the DCLG web site:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2269

Ruth Lawson, Communications Manager, Borough of Poole on : (01202) 633029