Throughout Bournemouth town centre and areas of Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne over 140 wayfinding signs are being installed to encourage people to travel on foot to explore the town as part of a collaborative project between Bournemouth Council, the Town Centre BID and the Coastal BID.
People arriving in the town centre by train, bus, car, taxi, foot or bike will see information hubs provided at Pier Approach, Horseshoe Common, the Triangle, Bournemouth Station and the Square. From each of these points a network of waymaking signs with directions and local mapping of the area together with footpath markers and finger posts will guide people around the town.
Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Improving connectivity across town will help people get around more easily and encourage more people to travel on foot. The introduction of awayfinding scheme will enhance the tourist experience and reinforce the town’s reputation as the UK’s premier resort. It will provide tangible benefits for the town, its residents, visitors and businesses.”
Clear wayfinding schemes can deliver significant economic benefits. The local economy will be boosted from the increase in foot traffic in front of local businesses, reduction in vehicular congestion and an enriched tourist experience.
By increasing people’s knowledge of Bournemouth, wayfinding can also encourage residents to explore their town revealing hidden shopping streets, local attractions, parks and walking routes.
The Coastal BID Chairman, Paul Clarke, commented: “The Coastal BID is proud to be a part of the wayfinding and signage project partnership. We have been working together with the Council and the Town Centre BID for two years to develop a modern, attractive and fully integrated pedestrian signage scheme for visitors. This not only links the town centre to the coastal villages via the promenade, but also serves to connect the sea front to our retail hubs in Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne.”
The Chair of the Town Centre BID, Lisa Tucker, said: “The Town Centre BID is delighted to be working with Bournemouth Council and the Coastal BID on this much needed project to overhaul the entire network of signage in Bournemouth. The new signage will help to welcome and orientate visitors and locals alike, and help them find the key retail, leisure, night life and business areas in Bournemouth town centre, as well as creating more prominent links between the seafront and the town centre.”
The installation of the signs will be due for completion in the spring. The installation of the five information hubs is likely to be in the summer, subject to planning permission.
