A £6.8 million pound government grant secured for the refurbishment of Boscombe’s Royal Arcade is set to be reallocated in the area following the expected cancellation of the project.
BCP Council’s Cabinet yesterday decided against purchasing and then transforming the 130-year-old Grade II listed Victorian heritage building because of increasing costs.
The final decision will be taken by the full council later this month.
The Royal Arcade plan formed just one part of the wider Better Boscombe Towns Fund initiative.
Martha Covell, Programme Manager, says other projects are now set to benefit.
She said: “We are exploring alternative ways for the Towns Fund grant which was previously earmarked for the Royal Arcade to be redirected to other projects in the town.
“This is going to include grants for local businesses on the high street to improve shop fronts.
“The funds are also going to go to our masterplan which includes 68 new homes, a medical centre, a park and a community centre.”
The BCP full council meeting is on Tuesday February 20.