Published on Wednesday 10 July 2019
Plans for Shore Road, Poole have taken a step forward with the appointment of the contractor Stepnell Ltd.
Shore Road is already recognised as a major gateway for people visiting Poole’s beaches. BCP Council are working in partnership with lead designer Morgan Design Studio, supported by landscape artist Amanda Moore. Designs will be realised by newly appointed contractor, construction specialist Stepnell Ltd.
Improvements at Shore Road 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 watersports 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.
Councillor Lewis Allison, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism said;
"We’re now finalising the details, working with our partners on what is already a stunning location on Poole seafront, to improve the welcome and the facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy the space, and to create a sense of arrival."
Rob Speirs, regional director for Stepnell said: "We’re proud to have been appointed by BCP Council to deliver this unique seafront scheme. This development will enhance the coastal area in Poole for tourists, giving a welcome boost to the local economy, as well as providing an enhanced space for local residents to relax and a place for families to enjoy. We are looking forward to bringing our expertise to this project to make it a success."
The works will cost up to £900k and are part of a £9.5 million investment in Poole’s seafront funded by BCP Council and supported by £1.2 million from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), a government grant designed to support the economic development of coastal communities. The works also form part of the ‘Dorset Coastal Connections’ portfolio of 18 projects along the Dorset coast, co-ordinated by the Dorset Coast Forum.
Work starts early September 2019. Follow our progress at Shore Road: https://seafront.pooleprojects.net/shore-road/.