Weymouth Harbour is one step closer to receiving a vital boost after reaching the final round of bidding for £3.5million of government funding.

An ambitious project to regenerate the harbour has reached the competitive second – and final – stage of the application process for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.

The fund, created by central government, encourages coastal communities to expand their economies by dishing out funding to boost growth and jobs.

A bid in the region of £3.5million was submitted on behalf of the Weymouth Coastal Community team (CCT) by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the community-led Weymouth Development Area Trust, who now face a busy few months putting the bid together to be submitted in January.

If successful, the money awarded would go towards a new multi-purpose harbour building, facilities for boat crews and state of the art training facilities. New pontoons would also improve access for visitors and a pedestrian walkway around the Peninsula would be created.

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of the borough council, said: "We and the Coastal Communities Team have been working closely with key figures in the Ministry for Communities, Housing, and Local Government for over two years.

"This is a really positive development on our bid following a very encouraging visit by Jake Berry MP the Minister responsible for the Coastal Communities Fund earlier this year.

“If approved, this funding will make a significant contribution to our plans for the regeneration of this site and our wider vision for the renewal of Weymouth and Portland as a key all year round leisure destination. This is a vital part of the legacy the Council must focus on as it approaches becoming part of the new unitary council. I look forward to a positive decision in 2019."

During his visit in July, Mr Berry said the the resort was in a strong position in its bid for funding.

Chris Wilson, CEO of Weymouth Area Development Trust, said: "The Weymouth CCT have worked hard to get Weymouth in with a fighting chance of attracting this funding into the town.

"The council and the team will all be working our socks off to put the stage two bid together in time for the January deadline. This is a great chance for Weymouth."

The fifth Coastal Communities funding round opened in February and will grant a total of £40 million for spending between April next year and March 2021.

Andrew Knowles, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "Supporting local economic growth and encouraging enterprise is central to the vision of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber."

Claudia Moore, chief operations officer of Weymouth BID, said: "Attracting investment in the look of the town, increasing support to our local businesses and improving the visitor experience are all things our Levy payers want. We are working together to make things better."