BCP Council’s Cabinet has approved withdrawing £2.6million from the Pokesdown Station Improvement project after councillors said the scheme had changed significantly since it was first agreed in 2022.
The original plans included upgrades to the station building, realigning the footbridge, a new forecourt with interchange facilities, improved CCTV and help points, better seating and shelters and converting lift shafts for passenger use. The project has now been reduced to installing lifts and painting the platform canopies.
Councillors were told the overall cost would be around £10million, repaid over 50 years, but that key details on budget and timescales were still uncertain. During the debate, Councillor David Brown said the project had changed immensely and that the main benefits expected by the council were no longer part of the deal.
Councillor Andy Hadley said it was a huge disappointment but the council had to focus on being responsible with its budget. Councillor Mike Cox said funding had to be balanced against other priorities including library repairs and further phases of the Plan for Play, alongside significant financial pressures linked to SEND funding.
The decision will be finalised at the full council budget meeting on February 24.
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