Poole is an established visitor attraction and has a lively sense of place with a mix of Georgian houses, fine Victorian commercial buildings and 1930s art deco shopfronts. From its origins as a medieval fishing harbour, the town became a major port by the late 17th century and its High Street links the historic Quayside with the town centre.
The town centre is experiencing a number of challenges, from a high vacancy rate to declining footfall. The Conservation Area is on Historic England’s At Risk register due to disrepair, inappropriate shopfronts and poor public realm.
Poole Quays Forum Neighbourhood Plan policies include creating a more vibrant High Street during the day and evening and improving its layout. Our Poole Local Plan aims to Transform and revitalise Poole town centre.
Key objectives
The Heritage Action Zone aims to give the High Street a new lease of life, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery.
We are keen to make the town centre more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors by:
- revealing hidden histories,
- repairing and revitalising the historic environment
- supporting sympathetic development, and
- creating a legacy for the future care of the high street.
Our partners
We are pleased to be working alongside Poole Quays Forum and Poole Bid, our Business Improvement District.
Poole Museum has been consulting on plans to refurbish fifteenth century Scaplen’s Court, alongside their Our Museum project to rediscover Poole’s maritime heritage.
We are engaging with further partners to deliver a programme of cultural opportunities, such as Arts University Bournemouth.