Published on Friday 16 October 2020
An online engagement survey has been launched today to encourage anyone connected to Poole High Street or interested in its appearance or heritage to influence the direction of its forthcoming Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) Programme.
Following a successful bid by BCP Council, Poole High Street was selected as one of 68 high streets to receive government funding to restore their local historic character and provide them with a new lease of life. The Poole High Streets Heritage Action Zone (Poole HSHAZ) will receive £625,000 from Historic England, with BCP Council match-funding this amount to create a project fund of £1.2 million over four years.
Regeneration will focus on improving five key zones by restoring external features of historic buildings around Poole Museum, New/Old Orchard junction, Carter’s/Weston’s Lanes, North Street junction and the Hill Street/Globe Lane junction.
The key aims of the programme are to:
- improve the understanding of local heritage by focusing on significant sites and areas within the high street and revealing their hidden histories
- transform the appearance of key zones within Poole High Street by restoring the distinctive and historic character of landmark buildings and buildings around them
- revitalise the environment to make heritage buildings more visible and accessible to the public and to enrich their surroundings with creative art installations
- engage with key partners and the community to engender a spirit of cooperation, pride of place and a legacy for future care of the high street and its heritage.
A complementary cultural programme of events and creative installations is also being introduced to tell the story of the high street.
Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning, said:
"We are looking forward to finding out what local people think about this exciting project, as well sharing their own ideas. I’m determined that we need to start being proactive in our strategy for regenerating the town centre. We’re all in this together and if we want to bolster our local economy we need ideas and input – so we look forward to your help!
"Poole is a wonderful place with a rich and colourful heritage. We will be working closely with partners and the local community to use the funding we’ve secured to help make our historic town an even better place to live, learn, work and visit."
The community engagement runs from 16 October 2020 to midnight on 22 November 2020. Anyone interested in taking part can find out more at: BCPCouncil.gov.uk/HAZ