Published on Friday 27 November 2020
Plans to progress the creation of an innovative medical and research facility at Wessex Fields are due to be considered by BCP Council’s cabinet next month (16 December).
The council is working in partnership with the local NHS Trust and Bournemouth University on proposals to create a Living Lab in the area. This will create a landmark for leading-edge health and care research, bringing new education, employment and investment opportunities.
As part of the future vision for Wessex Fields the council’s proposals will enable University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust to progress with their plans for the creation of Living Lab on some of the land adjacent to Bournemouth Hospital. If approved this would further fulfil the council’s commitment to develop part of the site for health, care, research and education purposes.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economy, said:
"Having been involved in the development of the Wessex Field project since the beginning, I’m extremely pleased to bring forward this proposal at last.
"This is exactly the vision we had at the beginning; to see a cutting edge medi-tech science park in collaboration with the growing hospital and one of our fantastic universities. This really is going to be something special. Furthermore, the expanded opportunities to create jobs and unlock congestion that this decision realises cannot be understated.
For too long we’ve had a road to nowhere. With this decision, it will not only be a road to somewhere, but to somewhere exciting."
The paper also explores additional uses that could be progressed on the remainder of the site. These include the provision of onsite key worker housing to reduce impact on the local transport network, and assist the hospital, and green spaces to promote wellbeing and wildlife habitats.
To deliver these wider mixed-use themes, the council will take a collaborative approach to develop the remaining land.
The full report is available to view here.