A resident-led action plan setting out a long-term vision for Bournemouth town centre has been published, following months of collaborative work by local people.
The Bournemouth Town Centre Co-Created Action Plan is the result of a citizens’ panel that brought together fifty residents to shape ideas for the future of the town centre, focusing on how it feels, functions and develops.
It was jointly initiated by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale and BCP Council Leader Millie Earl.
Participants were selected from almost two hundred and fifty applicants to reflect a broad mix of ages, backgrounds and lived experience. The panel met across five structured sessions between June and November last year, moving from identifying problems to agreeing priorities and actions.
Early discussions explored issues such as safety, empty shops, transport, public spaces and the town centre’s identity. As the sessions progressed, residents worked together to generate ideas, test proposals and refine them into a single action plan.
The process was designed to give residents genuine influence, rather than acting as a consultation exercise. Ideas raised during sessions were carried forward, challenged and amended until consensus was reached. By the final session, every participant said they wanted to stay involved as the plan moves into delivery.
The document sets out a shared vision for Bournemouth town centre to become a confident, dynamic and inclusive place, recognised not just as a seaside resort but as a connected urban centre with year-round activity. Wellbeing, civic pride and a stronger sense of identity are central themes.
Eight priority areas underpin the plan. These include community engagement, regeneration and placemaking, retail and economic growth, culture and events, safety, transport and connectivity, wellbeing and the environment, and governance and accountability.
Each priority includes a flagship action alongside shorter-term “kick-off” actions intended to deliver visible improvements. Proposals range from bringing long-term empty shops back into use and improving public spaces, to supporting new cultural activity, strengthening safety measures and making it easier to walk, travel and navigate the town centre.
There is also a strong emphasis on communication and accountability, with proposals for regular updates, public meetings and clear reporting on progress. The plan highlights the need for shared responsibility between residents, businesses, public services and other partners.
The action plan has been launched as a working document rather than a fixed strategy. Organisers say it will be reviewed and updated regularly, allowing priorities and actions to evolve as projects are delivered and new opportunities emerge.
It is expected to play a key role in shaping future decisions, partnerships and investment affecting Bournemouth town centre during this year and beyond.
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