A NEW pot of money could help kick-start development on a long stalled brownfield site in Poole.

The Hamworthy former power station site has been shortlisted to become one of the first flagship housing zones in England and could benefit from a share of a £200million pot.

The 32-acre site at Hamworthy has remained derelict since the power station was demolished in the early 1990s.

A joint bid submitted by Borough of Poole and landowners Gallagher and Lands Improvement Holdings is among a shortlist of 29 areas outside London, announced by the government, of which 10 will be chosen.

If successful a share of the funding, which would be a loan to the developers, would help with infrastructure and remediation to get the site moving.

It would allow the council to help bring about its vision for the site.

Proposals by the companies to develop the site with up to 1,350 homes, a new public quay and a food store have been developed over 10 years of public engagement and are yet to go before a planning committee.

The funding could be used to help prepare the site for development.

A 150,000 ton concrete cap, which supported the turbine and boiler house and chimneys, would cost millions of pounds to remove, and fears had been raised that this could make it too costly to develop.

Stephen Thorne, head of planning and regeneration, Borough of Poole, said: “It is extremely good news that Poole has been shortlisted to become one of the first Housing Zones in England, which will help stimulate development on brownfield land and in particular the former power station site.

“We look forward to being part of the 10 areas that are ultimately chosen so that we can finally start to build homes for local communities in Poole.”

The 29 shortlisted bids will now go through an assessment process which will include looking at value for money and commitment to delivering high quality homes quickly.

Key to economic plans

Chancellor George Osborne said: “A key part of our long term economic plan is to build the houses Britain needs so that more families can have the security that comes with home ownership.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce the areas shortlisted to become the first housing zones in England which, as part of a wider package of measures, will help deliver up to 200,000 new homes on brownfield land.”