BCP Council has been awarded £18.2m in government funding to help rejuvenate Bournemouth and Poole’s seafront.
The Levelling Up Fund cash will go towards key seafront projects over the next three years as part of the council’s Big Plan to create a world-class seafront.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration said: “This is fantastic news for our whole conurbation. It has been an amazing team effort securing this money, and I’d particularly like to thank Conor Burns MP who has been instrumental in promoting these plans with government.
“Investing in our seafront is at the heart of our Big Plan and this funding will go towards much needed improvements and upgrades cementing our destination offering as one of the best in the country.
“This money will help improve seafront infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of current and future generations.
“It will also see the creation of more jobs for local people, attracting new visitors down south and encouraging everyone to explore the rich coastal heritage and rural beaches beyond Bournemouth, attracting further investment along the award-winning coastline.”
The planned improvements include much-needed repairs to Bournemouth’s iconic Pier, extending its life and creating new opportunities to develop it further.
The East Cliff stabilisation works were also part of the bid, which would allow the promenade to be re-opened as a first stage, with longer term aspirations to reinstate a new cliff lift.
One of the big projects is the refurbishment and extension of the existing building at Joseph Steps into a new a RNLI lifeguard training and education centre as well as a community hub for everyone to enjoy.
Other plans submitted include seawall repairs at Hamworthy Park, which would secure the future of the promenade, and improvements to the public realm between Bournemouth West Cliff and Boscombe Pier which include more power and water services as well as a 5G infrastructure to allow for the development of further leisure facilities.
Councillor Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places commented: I’m truly delighted that we’ve received this funding for the seafront. It feeds into our seafront strategy and will be spent on projects that will have a significant impact on our seafront development, such as the rejuvenation of Bournemouth Pier which needs infrastructure repairs, and stabilising the East Cliff which will enable us to leverage funding and investment opportunities for a new cliff lift in the future.
“We submitted several cultural projects as part of the bid, including a public art heritage trail linking key heritage sites along the coastline, and studies to develop proposals for a Visual Arts Centre at Holes Bay, so I’m looking forward to seeing all these improvements come to fruition.”
Councillor Toby Johnson, Lead Member for Levelling Up and Skills said: “This funding award is great news for the development of the seafront, both from an economic point of view as well as a holiday destination. The economic benefits through these projects will open up further investment opportunities, creating more jobs for our residents along the way and improving people’s health and wellbeing with more opportunities to get outside and enjoy our outstanding seafront.”
Work on the proposals is expected to start later this year and will be delivered over the next three years.
