SIX regeneration projects across Dorset are being considered for funding following a cash injection from the Government of almost £6.5million.

The new Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership has drawn up a shortlist of projects that meet the criteria of the national £500million Growing Places Fund.

The schemes selected for backing are: l Proposals for a community land trust at Boscombe to provide affordable family homes with gardens, a centre for creative workshops and development space for creative industries.

- A 400,000 square feet expansion scheme proposed for Cobham Gate, a prime employment site within Ferndown industrial estate.

- The proposed transformation of six hectares of derelict public land to promote business development at Sturminster Newton.

- A proposal to purchase land at Upton Farm in Poole to enable the creation of 10,000 homes and 13,700 jobs.

- An expansion of employment and residential units at Osprey Quay, Portland.

- A further proposal to provide transport and access for two key housing and commercial development sites at Hamworthy is on the reserve list.

Gordon Page, Dorset LEP chairman, said: “Each scheme under consideration would be a worthy recipient of investment.

“While the evaluation of these schemes has been complex, each will bring significant long-term benefits to the selected areas.

“We have further work to do but hope to see action on the ground with all these schemes within the next 12 months.

“We are also greatly encouraged by the news that the Government has made an additional £2.5million available to Dorset following the recent Budget and we will ensure we invest this money wisely.”