An innovative hub-facility dedicated to achieving a step-change in the reduction of waste and elimination of single use packaging along Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s beautiful seafront has been given the go-ahead.
The Environmental Innovation Hub will highlight the impact of plastic packaging and waste on our seafront. With around 2,000 tons of waste removed from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s beaches every year, the hub will take a lead on recycling in public spaces and focus BCP Council’s efforts to educate and change behaviour along the seafront, linking closely with the Leave Only Footprints campaign.
Interactive and temporary displays are being developed in collaboration with both Bournemouth University and the University of Southampton focusing on the environmental impact of waste management and single use packaging on the coastal environment. The intention is also to reach further afield with interactive touchpoints located along 10 miles of coastline.
Funded with £2.4 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, the Durley Environmental Innovation Hub will give residents and millions of seafront visitors the opportunity to explore and understand the environmental impact of packaging, waste and climate change on our fragile coasts and seas. Built to high environmental standards, the building itself will aim to be a working example of high environmental design.
Work is expected to take around 9 months and should be finished in time for the new academic term 2021, COVID-19 restrictions allowing.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture commented:
“My thanks go to the many in our community and in the council who have brought the idea forward to this stage. The Environmental Innovation Hub serves a great purpose. Let’s build it and use it to share understandings and change behaviours for the good”.
For more information on the hub and associated works, please visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafrontprojects<http://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafrontprojects>
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