PURBECK District Council has been rewarded for its work on the Dorset Green Technology Park at Winfrith.

The council has been given a Highly Commended Award from the Federation of Small Businesses' Small Business Friendly Award programme for its work to revitalise and secure confidence in the technology park.

In 2014, the site’s owners went into liquidation and the district council pledged to reinvigorate the site by committing to invest £927,000 of its own funding.

This was matched by equivalent funding from Dorset County Council and £600,000 of government investment through the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

The district and county councils will acquire 6.2 hectares of open land at the site and will shortly start building 20 small workspace units.

Cllr Gary Suttle, leader of Purbeck District Council, pictured left receiving the award from Ken Moon, FSB Wessex Regional Chairman, said: “We are delighted that the FSB has recognised the district council’s commitment to this site.

“Public and private investment secures the future of the site for high quality employment use, as well as addressing the expressed demand for modern, fit-for-purpose small workspace. Jointly we have secured the future of 400 existing and 100 new jobs.”

He also said that the investment has restored confidence to the existing companies on the site.

The council is now seeking government funding for further innovation facilities on the site and has submitted an application for Enterprise Zone status for the site which will unlock further economic potential.