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Published on Thursday 25 February 2021

Creating an exciting and attractive place for residents, businesses and visitors, major improvements to the Lansdowne area will commence on 15 March 2021.

The upcoming works represent the first stage of BCP Council’s long-term transformational vision for the area. They will deliver new art installations, seating and outdoor event space in the heart of Lansdowne’s main business district. A new protected cycle route, improvements for local buses and safer pedestrian crossing points will also be introduced on Holdenhurst Road to support more sustainable journeys through the area.

This initial phase will require Holdenhurst Road, between Lansdowne Roundabout and Station Roundabout to be closed to vehicles from 15 March for approximately 12 weeks. Every effort will be made to complete these works ahead of schedule and in advance of the busiest part of the Summer period. A diversion will be in place via St Swithun’s Road and Christchurch Road. Access will be maintained for people walking and cycling along Holdenhurst Road.

To support local businesses, BCP Council is working closely with key stakeholders to ensure access for both customers and deliveries is maintained throughout the upcoming works. Signage will also be in place encouraging people to use local businesses in the area.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, at BCP Council said:

"I am delighted to announce that our Lansdowne transformation plans will soon be getting underway. This will see major improvements to the public realm with the introduction of a vibrant event space, captivating public art and welcoming outdoor areas that will encourage more people to visit and stay in the area longer. Supporting economic recovery, this will help to invite people back into local businesses who will be looking to bounce back once restrictions are lifted. Our long term vision remains the same and we hope this initial phase becomes a springboard for future investment and change.’’

Plans for the initial delivery were approved in November 2020. Further improvements to the public realm in the wider area are also being considered as part of this initial phase subject to detailed design, planning approval and funding.

To deliver these improvements, £4.8 million in government funding has been secured through the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Deal. A further £2.9 million of council match funding from local contributions is also being invested in the area, resulting in almost £8 million public investment for Lansdowne.

Dorset LEP has successfully secured £98.4 million of Local Growth funding for Dorset through the government's Growth Deal to bring together local, national and private sector funding. The fund will unlock and unblock key housing and employment sites, create more highly skilled jobs, and support economic growth.

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