A new initiative has been launched to make Bournemouth town centre more welcoming to older people.
It includes a range of measures including a business charter, staff training, a seating scheme, and grant funding, all aimed at improving the experience of over-55s.
The initiative is spearheaded by Bournemouth Town Centre BID, in partnership with BCP Council and the Centre for Ageing Better.
At the launch event, held at Patch, the co-working space inside Bobby’s in Bournemouth, attendees from local businesses heard that 41 per cent of the population in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) is aged 50+.
The number of over 50s will rise by ten per cent by 2031.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This initiative is about recognising the needs of a growing part of our community and responding in practical ways.
“We want the town centre to work well for everyone, including older residents and visitors.”
A new new microgrant scheme, funded by the Centre for Ageing Better, will enable levy-paying businesses within the BID area to apply for grants between £150 and £500 to fund changes that benefit older customers – such as improving access, updating signage and communication materials, or running intergenerational events.
Up to 20 businesses will be awarded funding, which will be distributed in July and must be spent by the end of October 2025.
Meanwhile Bournemouth Town Centre BID has helped to provide three Chesterfield-style chairs.
They are being placed in participating businesses in the coming weeks to create welcoming resting spots for older visitors at Bobby’s Beauty, Naked Coffee, Lansdowne, and Howden Insurance in The Triangle.
The Age Friendly Bournemouth Charter invites businesses to commit to supporting their older customers through an awareness of their needs and by making simple accommodations.
Bournemouth Town Centre BID is also offering free age-friendly customer service training for BID levy payers, providing practical advice for serving older people more confidently and effectively.