BCP Council has insisted confidence is flowing back into Bournemouth town centre in response to criticism from a company which has quit the resort.
In a widely shared social media post, Cas Paton, CEO and Founder of online marketplace OnBuy, accused the council of a lack of engagement and failing to promote a ‘Silicon Beach’ strategy to support tech firms.
He described Bournemouth as “an under-invested, council-destroyed destination”.
But Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, BCP Council, said: “We know confidence is flowing back into Bournemouth town centre – evidenced by new businesses coming into the town.
“Just before Christmas we saw the opening of the high-end restaurant The Ivy, and soon we will welcome The Botanist & JD Gyms amongst others, so it’s a shame OnBuy didn’t speak to us, as we’d have been able to share all this positive information with them.
“The town has clearly turned a corner, with footfall over Christmas up 12.5% compared to the previous year. We’ve secured a local operator for next year’s Christmas events and activities demonstrating there is a real belief in Bournemouth.
“Empty shop units are being brought back into action as we attract more investors into the town centre.
“At the former Beales and House of Fraser stores we are seeing a mixed use of retail, workspace and accommodation take shape which highlights Bournemouth’s commitment to growth and modernisation.
“These developments not only enhance the town’s appeal but also creates job opportunities and fosters a thriving local economy.
“We are also fortunate to have a thriving and growing creative and digital community in the area, which the council continues to nurture and support, along with our partners at the universities and college.
“Many of these businesses are based in offices in and around the town centre. Together with the success of co-working spaces in Bournemouth such as This Workspace and the recently arrived Patch, as well as The Foundry in Poole, the office community bring further footfall and spend into Bournemouth town centre.
“We are aware of the challenges facing every high street in the UK, but as a council we are determined to make sure we continue to do our part in supporting our local businesses.
“We recently awarded £358,000 to make the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole more attractive with projects such as enhancing street lighting additional planters, artwork and events.
“We’re also one of only four local authority areas selected by government to pilot a scheme to address empty shops, showing further national confidence in Bournemouth’s future.”