All RDAs across England are closing by March 2012
(see transition and closure section).
With our resources reducing steadily, this page has not been recently updated and the information below may not be current.
If in doubt, please contact us directly.
Dorset
Economic overview
Dorset’s economy is dominated by Bournemouth, Poole,
Christchurch, Ferndown and Wimborne in the south east of the
county. Outside of these areas, there is a network of towns that
are principally focused on tourism, creative and agricultural-based
industries.
This part of the region has a stable economy driven by the
diverse mix of sectors and by the balance of service and
manufacturing businesses. Major employers in the region
include:
RDA support
Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole is one of seven areas in the UK -
and the first in the South West - which has a formal agreement
between the Government, local councils, the South West RDA and
other public sector organisations known as a Multi-Area Agreement
(MAA).
This is designed to be a cross-boundary local area agreement
(LAA). These agreements bring together key players in flexible ways
to tackle issues that are best addressed in partnership - at a
regional and sub-regional level. Currently, this MAA aims to boost
or improve jobs, skills, transport and the environment
The South West RDA is also continuing to support Dorset through
key investments and strategic leadership.
Its main project in the county is Osprey Quay, the former Royal Naval Air Station
at Portland, which the Agency acquired in 2000 and was subsequently
named as the site for the 2012 Olympic sailing events. It was
bought with a view to diversifying and strengthening the local
economy by creating a centre of excellence for marine business and
leisure.
As of late 2009, the Agency had invested £34 million at Osprey
Quay and will have invested more than £40 million by the time work
is complete in 2015/16. A similar level of investment has already
been attracted from other private and public sources. There are now
more than 300 jobs on site with a total of 1,400 projected. The
RDA’s investment includes £3.5 million in the National Sailing
Academy in 2004, which played a critical role in attracting the
2012 Games. Work is now underway on a low carbon housing
development that will be used by the 2012 sailing teams.