THE multi-million pound Boscombe Spa Village project has been shortlisted as one of the UK’s best regeneration schemes.

The surf reef and revamped seafront could earn Bournemouth a Local Government Chronicle Award.

The scheme, which cost around £11.07million for the reef and seafront elements and a further £1.2m for Boscombe Gardens, has made it to the final six.

The awards will be announced next spring and will go to councils that have showed vision, imagination and enthusiasm.

Although the scheme ended up late and over-budget, it is credited with generating 55 new jobs, bringing £850,000 of private sector money to the area and boosting the local economy by £41.5million.

Previously declining visitor numbers have been reversed with a 32 per cent increase during summer 2009 compared to the previous year.

Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, leader of Bournemouth council, said: “I am delighted Bournemouth has been shortlisted for the Boscombe Spa Village regeneration. This is an outstanding regeneration scheme which has turned an under-utilised site into a modern multi-purpose leisure amenity located on one of Bournemouth’s best beaches.

“As well as the vision and dedication of members and officers, I am particularly thrilled the council has worked together with local private businesses to invest in this redevelopment project and we can share the credit for the success with them.”

Next month, representatives of the council and local traders will give presentations to a panel of judges. The winner will be announced on March 24.