Published on Wednesday 11 March 2020
Any new development at the Wessex Fields site should incorporate health, care, research, education and key worker or affordable housing themes, if Cabinet supports proposals next week (Wednesday 18 March 2020).
The key themes for the future use of Wessex Fields were identified following a month-long consultation process and dedicated public engagement event held in January 2020. These themes are based on an array of feedback submitted by both residents and local businesses.
Following a review of the consultation findings, future plans will also need to consider the allocation of green space to promote wellbeing and wildlife habitats and take into account controlled access to the hospital along with improved sustainable local transport links.
If approved, the council will be given the go ahead to develop its vision for Wessex Fields, taking into account and reflecting these themes within in its plans. This vision includes the creation of an innovative medical and research facility, or Living Lab at the site.
Councillor Mark Howell, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture at BCP Council, said:
"We would like to thank everyone who took part in our open consultation. Having listened to the public, we now have a clear steer on what people would like to see at site and just as importantly what they would not like to see.
"If approved next week, we will continue to work closely with partner organisations, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals and Bournemouth University, and begin to pursue a financially viable, environmentally sound, socially responsible and leading-edge solution for Wessex Fields.’’
To find out more, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/wessexfields.