Bournemouth has secured almost £22million as part of the ‘Town Deal’ to turbo charge ambitious regeneration plans for Boscombe.
Today (03 March 2021) central government announced Bournemouth as one of the UK towns to successfully secure a funding deal which will see major investment in town centre regeneration.
BCP Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Councillor Philip Broadhead, said; “We are delighted to secure this landmark deal, which will not only benefit Bournemouth but the whole BCP area.
“With a focus on Boscombe and the surrounding area this external funding will unlock a number of significant regeneration schemes. From job creation, skills and training, to new homes, and world leading digital connectivity, this is a significant moment for Bournemouth and the wider City Region.
“We will invest in Boscombe’s infrastructure by creating a new urban neighbourhood offering a vibrant and attractive environment where people want to be and be seen.
“We will bring about new buildings with mixed use commercial, retail, leisure and residential elements all working side by side, offering a thriving mix of public spaces, cafes, shops, homes and places to work.
“We will invest in the physical and digital infrastructure and expand our smart place programme offering the cutting edge leading digital technology that we know investors want.
“We want the BCP City region to be world class, one of the best coastal places in the world in which to live, work, invest and play. Now is the time to invest with ambition in our place and our people as we look to rebuild out of the global pandemic and drive regeneration across the conurbation on a scale never delivered before. This has come at just the right moment to help make that happen.
“With this in place we will get on and deliver at scale a mix of impressive regeneration schemes that will enhance our area, attract future investment and strengthen that sense of pride amongst our residents. Watch this space!”
Councillor Jane Kelly, ward councillor for Boscombe, said; “This is a groundbreaking moment for Boscombe and is an absolute testament to the partnership working that has been fundamental in getting us to this position. Boscombe residents have played a key role in shaping the plans that were presented to government and I am thrilled that we have been able to secure this investment for the town.”
As part of the bidding process the council submitted a town investment plan supported by the Bournemouth Towns Fund Board, a strategic partnership made up of public and private sector partners as well as local community representatives.
Jeff Mostyn, Chairman of AFC Bournemouth, and Chair of the Bournemouth Towns Fund Board said; “This is fantastic news for Bournemouth and the wider region. It goes to show what can be achieved when you draw upon the collective knowledge, expertise and talent across our partners and the local community.”
With funding secured the plans will see the Sovereign Shopping Centre replaced with a contemporary mixed use neighbourhood of high-quality commercial units and homes, as well as a new public square where a calendar of festivals and events will bring people together.
Preserving and enhancing the use of unique heritage assets feature prominently with plans to bring the Royal Arcade back into use by seamlessly combining contemporary new workspace, skills and learning as well as arts and culture in this historic building.
Haviland Road between Palmerston Road (Lidl) and Haviland Road West will be restored as a street with generous pavements, cycle lanes, bus stops and tree planting all leading up to a new community hall and gardens.
Providing better transport infrastructure and improving the links between Boscombe town centre, the seafront, Pokesdown Train Station and AFC Bournemouth will also be funded through the investment.
Around 560 new homes, 6,700sqm of retail and leisure floor space and 4,800 sqm of commercial, community and health floor space have been earmarked as part of the plans.
This latest funding announcement of £21.7million is in addition to last year’s successful bid for £1million in accelerator funding to bring forward part of the town investment plan which will see the Smart Place pilot currently being rolled out in neighbouring Lansdowne into Boscombe. The funding is also being used to kickstart plans to create a combined activity and learning hub at Kings Park Bowling Club.
Detailed business plans for each project will now be drawn up.
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