From momentum to movement for BCP

Investment, service changes and community projects are set to shape next year across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as the council outlines plans aimed at building on recent progress across the area.

BCP Council says the past year has seen more than £750 million of new investment, alongside new businesses opening, play areas being improved and visitors returning more frequently, supporting local economic activity across the three towns.

The council reports that Bournemouth town centre has welcomed new national and independent businesses, while firms continue to expand in Poole and Christchurch’s town centre remains active, with more than 15,500 businesses now operating across the wider area and vacant units being brought back into use.

Alongside growth, the authority says it is continuing to lobby for funding to protect essential services, particularly for vulnerable residents, while working to set a balanced and sustainable budget during a challenging national financial climate.

Plans are also in place to give residents a greater role in local decision making through the creation of town councils, covering priorities such as high streets, seasonal events, festivals and youth activities.

A new Residents Card is being introduced, offering discounts across the area, including a free monthly swim and reduced parking offers, aimed at supporting health, wellbeing and local spending.

Looking ahead to next year, the council says £4.4 million will be invested into more than 120 play spaces, while from April next year over 100,000 residents will move to a unified waste collection service, including the introduction of food waste collections in Poole.

Work on road repairs is expected to continue, alongside trials to expand electric vehicle charging and proposals designed to reduce disruption from roadworks.