The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has signed a deal to transform part of Osprey at Portland into an exciting £30 million year-round tourism and leisure destination.

Award-winning regeneration company the Sutton Harbour Group has been signed as the RDA’s partner for an eight-acre site next to Portland Castle that is expected to create up to 300 new jobs.

The scheme, known as Castle Court, could include a hotel, restaurant, shops, apartments, self catering units, employment space and landscaped public areas.

The aim is to transform Portland into a year-round attraction by offering high quality facilities that make the most of the world-class natural environment.

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The scheme would support leisure activities both on and off the water around Weymouth and Portland, including sailing, rock climbing, diving, walking and fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.

It will complement the range of regeneration activity already underway at Osprey Quay and boost the Portland Castle visitor attraction.

Bruce Voss, head of operations at the South West RD for Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole, said: "The Sutton Harbour Group already has a strong track-record of delivering award-winning waterside regeneration in historic settings and that’s why we have signed them as our partner for Castle Court.

"This scheme will be another piece in the jigsaw that is transforming Osprey Quay into a vibrant new waterside community with a range of marine employment and leisure uses."

The Castle Court site is bordered by Mulberry Avenue, Liberty Road and Castle Road, and will retain the original red brick Officer’s Mess which his likely be converted into apartments. The development will overlook Portland Castle with spectacular views over the harbour.

The deal between the Sutton Harbour Group comes just weeks after work started on the £21 million, 600-berth Portland Marina.

(JM)