Hundreds of residents have applied to join a new Citizens’ Panel aimed at shaping the future of Bournemouth town centre.
The initiative was launched by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale and BCP Council Leader Millie Earl last month.
Run in association with Richard Eastham from Bournemouth-based Feria Urbanism, Pier Journal and Patch, the representative panel of up to 50 people will include different ages and different backgrounds.
It will be approximately a 50/50 split of men and women in line with the demographics of the area.
Panellists will attend five creative and productive three-hour sessions at Patch on the first floor of Bobby’s in Bournemouth town centre.
During the sessions from June to November, the panel will learn about the progress already being made and explore what else can be done.
At the end, they will co-create a deliverable action plan outlining who can do what – including the local MP, council, businesses and residents.
In her latest update, Jessica Toale said: “At one of my town hall events two months ago, I promised that within eight weeks I’d launch a new Citizens’ Panel – the first of its kind for Bournemouth.
“Since then, I’ve spoken to hundreds of residents at coffee mornings and community meetings. It’s clear people care deeply about our town centre – but they want to see lasting, meaningful change.
“That’s why, together with BCP Council Leader Millie Earl, I’ve launched Bournemouth’s first-ever Citizens’ Panel.
“Applications have now closed. A big thank you to the hundreds of residents who applied.
“A random selection will take place this week, and those selected will be informed shortly. The panel will work closely with me, the Council and local organisations to feed directly into future plans for our town centre.”