THREE major infrastructure projects in Dorset will be getting a £16.6 million funding boost from the government.

Local authorities in Poole, East Dorset and North Dorset have been awarded a portion of the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

Poole council will be given £6 million to support its vision to regenerate part of the town centre, including Kingland Road car park, Seldown car park and coach park, and the Dolphin Swimming Pool site.

A new leisure centre and swimming pool, bus station, hotel, commercial office space and more than 400 new homes could be built as part of the £134 million project.

The HIF funding will support the infrastructure work needed to improve access within the remodelled town centre.

Cllr Ian Potter, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The council is ambitious for Poole and Town Centre North is our flagship project for regenerating the town centre. It will transform our town centre, boost the local economy and make it a vibrant and attractive place where people will want to live, work and enjoy their free time.

“The bidding process is highly competitive so to secure this funding demonstrates confidence in Poole’s ability to make this project a reality.”

A sum of £2.25 million will go towards a link road for a major housing development in West Parley.

The scheme for 386 homes, shops, offices and a new food store has been submitted to East Dorset District Council.

The proposed link road between New Road and Christchurch Road will have a 30mph limit and a shared pedestrian and cycle route.

Cllr Mike Dyer, portfolio holder for economy at East Dorset District Council, said: “We are aware there are residents in West Parley concerned about development taking place without supporting infrastructure, and we are therefore pleased that government funding has been made available for this purpose.

“The council wants to achieve a more pedestrian and environmentally friendly village centre in Parley and this award will help to do that. The next step will be to agree the fine details of the bid award.”

In North Dorset, over £4 million has been awarded to the Gillingham Southern Area Extension.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, leader of North Dorset District Council, said: “The funding will go towards significant infrastructure such as utilities and improved road networks.

“This funding will aid the delivery of over 1800 homes in an extremely important development site allocated in our local plan.

“As part of our Opening Doors Initiative, I am keen to capitalise on any funding initiatives in order to provide homes for our residents.”

Lorna Carver, director of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “This is a significant investment by the government and highlights the good work that is going on across Dorset to achieve our economic aspirations.

“Good infrastructure is vital for enterprise and this funding will help to facilitate local economic growth by creating the right conditions for more highly skilled jobs and housing,” she added.