A series of walking and cycling improvements are planned between the existing shared path at Redhill Roundabout and Chapel Gate Roundabout. These improvements form part of Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme’s sustainable travel route between Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown.

Artist’s impression of the proposed off-road walking and cycling route between Christchurch Road and the River Stour Crossing, looking north towards Christchurch Road.

This off-road section was originally consulted on in February-March 2021. At that stage, route options were still being assessed. Following further design work, a route is now being proposed and would include:

• Improvements to the existing path on the north side of Christchurch Road to provide a shared path near Portfield School
• A new toucan crossing on Christchurch Road, with an adjacent section of existing cycleway on the south of the road being widened to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists
• A new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists south from Christchurch Road, running parallel to Parley Green Lane at the top end, carrying on down to cross the existing Stour Valley Way path near Parley Manor and continuing south to the River Stour
• An accessible bridge over the River Stour that would link the new route to the existing shared path near Redhill Roundabout

We have worked with environmental groups to create a design that considers the specific ecological challenges in the area. A number of new trees, additional hedging and wet grassland meadow would be planted along parts of the route and reflective materials would be used instead of lighting to aid visibility without negatively impacting local wildlife and their habitats. 

As well as improving links between key locations to the north of the River Stour (including the Aviation Business Park, the airport and university sports ground) and towards Bournemouth town centre, this work would improve facilities for recreational users.

View the proposed design plan here.

Exhibition at Kingfisher Barn

We held a public drop-in event on Thursday 16 February 2023 at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre about these proposals. The banners remained onsite at the Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre until Friday 3 March 2023, as an unstaffed exhibition.

You can also view the event banners here. 

Public consultation

Public consultation on the proposals was undertaken 24 February to 31 March 2021. A report summarising the results is available here and responses to issues are available here.