Huge improvements planned for Ferndown town centre
Dorset Council say work will begin in the next few months
A huge programme of improvement works, designed to 'breathe new life' into Ferndown's Penny’s Walk and Victoria Road areas is set to begin over the next few months.
These works were recommended back in 2017, by the Town Council and former East Dorset District Council - with Dorset Council now taking them forward.
The first phase will include removing some of the old planters in Victoria Road and replacing with a new design and look, and new seating near the library to make this space a more modern and community focused area.
In phase two, a revised parking scheme for Victoria Road will make getting to the shops easier for those who need to travel to the town centre by car.
Phase three of the work will focus on spaces for new retailers, hospitality businesses and a refreshed public space for events, markets and town life in Penny’s Walk.
Growing the night-time economy and support for existing shops and businesses around Victoria Road will also fall in phase three of the work.
Cllr Mike Parkes, Dorset Council’s ward member for Ferndown, said:
“I am thrilled that some of this work is now starting to take shape. Since the Town Centre Strategy was drawn up in 2017, I’ve been keen to get elements of the recommendations underway.
“The new planters and seating on Victoria Road in will be a very welcome addition to the town centre which I hope will increase footfall and give residents and visitors to Ferndown and more pleasant and greener experience.”
A £20,000 funding package to design the new seating and replacement planting in Victoria Road is part of the ‘Reconnecting with Nature Spaces’, coordinated by Litter Free Dorset.
Sophie Carpenter from Litter Free Dorset said:
“We hope these improvements create a safe space where the community can gather, pollinators can thrive, as well as encourage a sense of pride in Ferndown.”