Plans to encourage more people into our town centres are to be discussed at the next BCP Council cabinet meeting in October.
The proposals include purchasing a machine to water plants and jet wash pavements; brightening up public realm with planters and local artists’ artwork; enhancing street lighting; improving digital infrastructure, as well as a variety of events and activities.
Proposals were invited from Bournemouth Coastal and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and Christchurch Town Council with a remit to deliver long term benefits to the town centres.
Also encouraged were projects which would seed fund new ideas and unlock new opportunities that improve the look, feel and safety of each town centre.
Having received a one-off additional revenue grant from government in February, the council approved £358,000 to work with partners on projects that lead to long term improvement in the town centres.
This finance is set to be boosted by over £98K in match funding from the BIDs on most of the projects.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the Council said: “Investing in our town centres is a high priority for us, and we’re really pleased to be able to provide this one-off funding for projects that will deliver long term benefits to the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
“This is about enabling our partners to create and deliver these inspiring projects, and I am excited to see how they will add to the ongoing positive work to revitalise our three town centres.”
The improvement projects proposed include:
- Putting in place digital infrastructure to implement public Wi-Fi across Christchurch town centre
- Improving and replacing planters and hanging baskets, and installing Christmas tree wall mounts in Christchurch town centre
- Purchasing a grounds maintenance machine to water plants and jet wash pavements
- Creating a mural across the subway leading to Poole Lighthouse
- Completion of streetlamp upgrades in Poole Old Town
- A ‘Street Life’ Festival – a six-month calendar of activities designed to enliven Bournemouth town centre, increase footfall and appeal to all ages and interests.
- Street enhancement scheme on six Bournemouth streets, using existing street furniture to create cultural trails, add place branding and dress the streets with original sculptures. The proposal includes major assets in the form of selfies and photo opportunities.
- Installation of street art on the walls adjacent to the cycle path running from Pier Approach to the BH2 Cinema complex, and on the entrance to West Hill car park behind the Triangle.