CONSTRUCTION has started on a £2.5m project to boost business in Purbeck.

Building work is underway on 20 new employment units at the Dorset Enterprise Zone at Winfrith's Dorset Green Technology Park.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) and Dorset County Council (DCC) have invested in the site, alongside the Homes & Communities Agency and the private sector.

The units, set for completion in October this year, have also benefitted from £600,000 investment secured by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

PDC economy and infrastructure portfolio holder councillor Cherry Brooks said: "The Dorset Enterprise Zone is a significant asset for the district and we are committed to its future success.

"The new buildings will offer a space for companies seeking to grow, bringing job opportunities for local people, as well as providing expansion space for those businesses already on site."

Meanwhile, DCC economy and growth cabinet member councillor Colin Jamieson said: "This significant investment by the local partners is a vote of confidence in the Dorset Enterprise Zone and recognises the real opportunity it presents to contribute to the long-term prosperity and vitality of the Dorset economy."

In 2015 the Winfrith site officially secured Enterprise Zone status, which comes into effect from April. Then, in 2017 when the leaseholders of the site went into receivership, PDC and DCC stepped-in and purchased 6.2 hectares of land on the 40-hectare business park.

Dorset LEP chairman Gordon Page said: "I am delighted to see the first phase of demolition of unusable buildings has been completed. The start of building the new infrastructure is a really positive as we approach the launch of the Dorset Enterprise Zone at the beginning of April.

"This promises to be the start of a 25-year programme of good economic news for Purbeck and beyond.

"The LEP has contributed to the acquisition of the site by Dorset County Council and will lead the management team of the site going forward."

Businesses locating to an Enterprise Zone are entitled to up to a 100 per cent business rate discount over a five year period, as well a enhanced allowances to purchase machinery and equipment.