Focus
Poundbury: Going from strength to strength
18th August 2010
The Prince of Wales’s urban extension Poundbury has contributed over £330million in demand for goods and services to the local economy since it began in 1994.
Built on Duchy of Cornwall land near Dorchester, Poundbury is based on some of the timeless principles of urban design detailed in The Prince’s book on architecture, A Vision of Britain.
An economic assessment by Dorset County Council has revealed the positive impact the development has had on the local economy, predicting that by 2025 a further £500million will be contributed.
Currently, Poundbury is home to around 1,500 people in different types of housing, including social, and provides around 1,000 jobs.
Findings from the study also reveal that the development has added around £13million per annum to gross value added (GVA) in the Dorset sub-region; supporting around 300 new full-time equivalent jobs; and also resulting in the creation of 76 businesses or self-employment opportunities new to the area.
Poundbury is an innovative example of how communities can live sustainably, and centres on the needs of putting people before cars, reinforcing The Prince’s environmental ideology.
His Royal Highness frequently invites guests, often including business leaders and politicians worldwide, to tour Poundbury to see its many achievements that mix high-density social and private housing with work and leisure facilities.
The report also predicts that Poundbury will grow from strength to strength, suggesting that by the time the development is fully completed, it will support over 430 new full-time jobs, and 121 new businesses in the local area on a long term basis.
Simon Conibear, Poundbury Development Manager, said: “We have always been aware that Poundbury has been a major source of employment and economic activity, for Dorchester particularly, but it is interesting to have this quantified. The important thing is the legacy we leave, and it is encouraging that even after construction activity ceases in 15 years time, there will be a continuing major economic benefit to the Dorset sub-region.”
Further information
Video: Poundbury - Building Communities