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A public consultation has been launched on plans to transform the former site of a Dorset power station into a huge “waterfront quarter” providing up to 900 new homes.

FuturePlaces, a venture owned by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has been commissioned by the local authority to bring forward recommendations for what it says is the largest brownfield regeneration project in the South West.

The 40-acre site in Hamworthy, also owned by BCP Council, is the former location of Holes Bay power station, but has now lain empty for more than 25 years.

With its proximity to Poole town centre, the commercial Port of Poole and neighbouring residential areas, the site has been designated as “an important area for future regeneration and investment” by the council.

Gail Mayhew, managing director of FuturePlaces, said: “We have already been working with local businesses and community groups to find out what’s important in any future development at Holes Bay and are now looking to hear from the wider community.

“Our vision is to create an inspirational new waterfront quarter urban village for the community, creating new jobs, commercial opportunities and inward investment.”

Local residents will now have an opportunity to give their thoughts on the proposed development in a series of in-person and virtual consultation sessions.

Ms Mayhew added: “This is an opportunity for people to share photos and images of architecture, green space, public realm and building material that they have seen used elsewhere that they would like to see in the Holes Bay development.”