We carried out a systematic search for new star clusters in a field of 5o *5o centred close to the Galactic Nucleus using the infrared JHKs 2MASS Survey archive. In addition we searched for embedded clusters in the directions of HII regions and dark clouds for | l |<=4o. As a result we present a list of 58 IR star clusters or candidates. We provide positions, sizes and reddening estimated from 100 micron dust emission. Their angular distribution together with previously catalogued objects in the region and possible relation with star forming complexes are also discussed.