Published on Friday 17 October 2025
More than £750million is being invested across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - with businesses placing their confidence in our towns.
The investments will deliver long-term benefits to our residents from improved healthcare and transport links to generating jobs and putting greenspaces back at the heart of communities.
BCP Council will be investing £24million of funding into strategic spending priorities. The investment, raised through planning charges paid by developers, will help provide an expanded education provision in Bearwood and Merley and support the delivery of new homes in Poole town centre through the Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defence scheme.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “These investments are a real boost for our communities - creating jobs, improving education, and opening up new opportunities for people to thrive and develop.
“It’s clear that businesses have confidence in the long-term future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and this level of funding reflects that.
“It is fantastic that so many organisations are backing our ambition to drive progress forwards – helping shape modern, sustainable communities where people and businesses can thrive for years to come.”
JPMorganChase has announced their intentions to invest up to £350million in its strategic hub at Bournemouth - with the bank backing the town’s ‘talent of tomorrow’; committing their long-term future to the town nearly 40 years since first moving here.
Speaking about their plans, Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO, said: “Bournemouth has long demonstrated that there is strong financial services and technology talent outside of London, and we’re proud to be the largest private employer there. Wherever we operate, we believe in making a positive impact, and this long-term investment in a world-class workplace and in local skills development is something the community will truly benefit from.”
Bournemouth Airport, meanwhile, is undergoing major enhancements as part of significant continued investment. Plans have been approved for an extended, modernised terminal, as well as a new regular bus service connecting the airport to the local area.
The ongoing commitment to the region is expected to directly create at least 230 jobs and give even more tourists the opportunity to experience the best of what Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has to offer.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “It’s an exciting time for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with major investment flowing into the area and a sense of real confidence in its future.
“At Bournemouth Airport we’re proud to be part of that story, with our own major investment programme underway to enhance our facilities and support continued growth.
“We share the ambition to create more quality jobs, boost our economy and build long-term prosperity in our region.”
This private-sector investment is coupled with long-term funding from BCP Council, aimed at improving services, and the quality of life, for residents.
Poole Museum will re-open in the coming weeks after a multi-million pound boost to develop the site into a major cultural venue of local, regional and national significance. Investment has come from major national funds including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Arts Council England, the UK Government, and philanthropic trusts and foundations locally and nationally.
The ambitious redevelopment, three years in the making, cements Poole’s rich heritage for generations to come.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, at BCP Council said: “Poole Museum’s transformation has been truly remarkable, and its re-opening marks a bold new chapter in the town’s cultural story.
“The revitalised spaces will secure the museum’s position as a leading venue for cultural, art, and heritage in the BCP area and beyond; ensuring visitors can discover more about our fantastic history long into the future.”
This year more than £10million has been allocated to improve roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; £1.2million will help the Council proactively prevent potholes across key routes with a multi-million pound pot set aside for additional road resurfacing.
The Council’s greenspace team is hard at work putting play areas back at the heart of communities - with a £3.9million pot set to bring life back to around 120 play areas throughout the BCP area to ensure future generations have access to vital building blocks for development.
Work continues to deliver sustainable and affordable housing for local communities with the 110-home development at Hillbourne, near Poole, on-track for completion next year.
The multi-million development is expected to provide a £24million boost to social value - by providing new jobs, supporting local apprenticeships and work placements, and sourcing materials from local suppliers.
Other major investments include £200million from Bournemouth Water into their water treatment works at Alderney and Knapp Mill - providing crucial upgrades to future-proof a reliable supply of water for households across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; and the RNLI plans on moving all their ship-building to Poole from 2027 onwards.
Big high street names have opened their doors across BCP this year with The Botanist having their most successful launch of all time; whilst Marks and Spencer have signalled their intent to open a flagship store in Branksome.
Further investment comes from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust who have injected £91million into a new building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital aimed at increasing capacity and improving healthcare and outcomes for patients.