Published on Friday 27 September 2024
Multiple projects to improve the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be considered at the next meeting of BCP Council’s Cabinet (2 October 2024).
The proposals include purchasing a machine to water plants and jet wash pavements; brightening up public realm with planters and local artists’ artwork; enhancing street lighting; improving digital infrastructure, as well as a variety of events and activities to draw people into the town centres.
Proposals were invited from Bournemouth Coastal and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and Christchurch Town Council with a remit to deliver long term benefits to the town centres.
Also encouraged were projects which would seed fund new ideas and unlock new opportunities that improve the look, feel and safety of each town centre.
Having received a one-off additional revenue grant from government in February, the council approved £358,000 to work with partners on projects that lead to long term improvement in the town centres.
This finance is set to be boosted by over £98K in match funding from the BIDs on most of the projects. There will be no additional or ongoing revenue pressure to the Council.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the Council said “Investing in our town centres is a high priority for us, and we’re really pleased to be able to provide this one-off funding for projects that will deliver long term benefits to the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
"This is about enabling our partners to create and deliver these inspiring projects, and I am excited to see how they will add to the ongoing positive work to revitalise our three town centres.”