Published on Tuesday 24 March 2026
Image shows Coy Pond Gardens - one of the projects set to receive funding
New play equipment, improved green spaces, and upgrades to youth and community centres are all on their way as part of a record-breaking round of funding.
More than £1.4million has been awarded by BCP Council to community projects in Bournemouth and Poole with 81 initiatives set to receive a cash boost.
Grants range from a few hundred pounds up to more than £300,000 with each allocation set to deliver tangible benefits to residents where they have told us it matters most.
Allocations have been made from the seventh round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) neighbourhood portion – with residents, businesses, and community groups invited to submit applications for funding late last year.
Funding has been awarded to a range of sporting and greenspace projects that will help bolster community mental and physical wellbeing: from restoring tennis courts in Southbourne and supporting the redevelopment of Iford’s BMX Club to funding brand new play equipment at Riverlands, Seafield Gardens, Mandale Road and Slades Farm.
Funding has also been awarded to enhance the area around Bournemouth Station roundabout, including new landscaping as well as murals and public artwork.
These improvements go hand-in-hand with BCP Council’s existing £4.4million Plan for Play strategy which is delivering improvements at 120 play areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. This fresh funding allocation will allow the Council to work with passionate local communities to go further and deliver even more upgrades.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “This cash boost shows what can be done when the Council works alongside communities, and passionate ward councillors, to deliver on the priorities of residents.
“When new homes are built, developers contribute funding for local infrastructure. This investment is now being returned directly to our communities, delivering the facilities residents have told us matter most to them.
“From upgrading play spaces, improving libraries, enhancing our greenspaces, and investing in youth and community centres – this is a funding boost that gets to the heart of what matters and builds on the success of our ongoing investments.”
Allocations are also set to increase access to nature for our communities, as well as helping reverse nature decline: new ponds will be created at Manorside Academy and Pelham’s Park whilst 21 benches will be installed at locations residents tell us they want to see them – including Turner’s Nursery, Haskell’s Rec, and Conifer Estates. All of this makes it easier than ever for residents to immerse themselves in BCP’s stunning surroundings.
There is significant investment in local transport improvements with more than £300,000 allocated to new pedestrian crossings and allocations in Bearwood; and enhancements outside Lilliput Infants, as well as Western Road and Leicester Road – all designed to make it easier for residents, children and young people to get about with confidence and convenience.
CIL funding stems from a planning charge paid by developers with the neighbourhood portion set aside to be reinvested in community-led projects in specific wards to offset the impact of new developments: funds are passed directly to Christchurch town and parish councils for allocations.
Further successful projects include funding for Bourne Community Hub, Creekmoor Youth Centre and Moordown Community Centre as well as seven new defibrillators, improvements to public toilets and funding towards the refurbishment of Whitecliff Pavilion and Turlin Moor Skatepark.
Heritage projects are also being supported, including the refurbishment of the tram shelter in Charminster and Cob Barn in Holdenhurst.
All the projects that have been awarded funding can be found here: Neighbourhood portion round 7 | BCP