Published on Friday 06 September 2019
Shore Road is already recognised as a major gateway for people visiting Poole’s beaches.
Improvements getting underway at Shore Road this month offer the opportunity to create a better welcome with an attractive plaza that visitors can enjoy and that signifies Shore Road’s importance as the starting point to the promenade around Poole Bay. Plans will see enhancements to the public space and facilities, including improvements to public toilets and showers, new seating and a refresh of the beach huts with a programme of refurbishments. A new water sports centre and larger refreshment kiosk also factor in the plans. A further block of beach huts just east of Shore Road will also be modernised and extended with a new first floor as part of the works.
Branksome Chine is another popular arrival choice for visitors to Poole but is dominated by the car park and an extensive tarmac area. Plans get underway here too this month to create a public plaza with improved surfacing, seating, planting and artistic features; a vibrant space which provides a warm welcome to visitors.
In May 2018, a turning circle space was created to accommodate the family friendly Land Train attraction providing a stop at Branksome Chine. Following a successful trial and public feedback during summer 2018, permanent landscaping will now put the train firmly on the map with a dedicated landscaped turning circle becoming part of the promenade in 2019.
Proposed improvements at Branksome Chine include landscaping and soft planting to create a welcoming plaza area with new way-marking and signage blended into the landscape along with improvements to the buildings and public toilets. The toilet décor will also be improved along with new lighting and air handling. Landscaping and specially commissioned artwork - all part of these changes to the public realm - will follow during 2020.
These improvement works are part of a £9.5m seafront regeneration programme. This includes £1.2m support from the Coastal Communities Fund through the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio to renovate public spaces at four sites along Poole’s seafront.
Chris Saunders, Head of Operations said:
"We’re now finalising the details, working with our partners, at what are already stunning locations on Poole seafront, to create a sense of arrival, improving the welcome and the facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy."
Natalie Poulter, Dorset Coastal Connections, said: "The reactions during the public events were so positive, and we are delighted that these projects are now being realised."
Find out more https://seafront.pooleprojects.net/