Ambitious plans to create world-class park in Poole

It already attracts one million visitors a year

Published 7th Sep 2022

People are being encouraged to share their views on the future of Harbourside Park (encompassing Baiter Park and Whitecliff Recreation Ground) in Poole.

A masterplan for this park, which stretches from Fisherman’s Dock at the east end of Poole Quay to Turks Lane off Sandbanks Road, is currently being produced.

It will create a vision for the park which sits in an unparalleled position overlooking Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.

Local architectural and planning company ECA is creating the masterplan on behalf of BCP Council. They will be holding two engagement events on site on Thursday 8 and Saturday 10 September that will allow residents to find out more about the consultation, ask questions and walk around parts of the site.

Everyone who uses this park or lives and works nearby is encouraged to get involved in the engagements events as well as fill in the consultation and have their say on how they would like it to look in the future. The masterplan will then provide a clear vision for shaping the park for the next ten years as well as better connecting Baiter and Whitecliff.

Harbourside Park consultation

Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place, BCP Council commented:

“We are committed to enhancing our parks and green spaces for future generations to enjoy, so it’s important that local residents get involved when we do run these consultations in order to let us know how they’d like these green spaces to evolve.

“Perhaps residents would like to see new or improved features such as a play trail in Harbourside Park, or picnic facilities and enhanced access to the water, or even a dog exercise area and more catering options? Whatever their vision, we’d love to hear from them, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation to help shape this much-loved green space.”

The first engagement event takes place on Thursday 8 September at Baiter Kiosk from 5-8pm, with the walkabout at 6.30pm, and the second on Saturday 10 September at Whitecliff Pavilion from 8.30-11.30am with the walkabout at 10am.

Cllr Steve Baron, Lead Member for Poole’s regeneration and ward councillor, BCP Council commented:

“Rejuvenating parks and green spaces can act as a catalyst for revitalising whole communities, creating more conducive spaces for everyone. I’d encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more to come along to one of the engagement events and ask questions – as well as fill in the consultation, as we’d like the masterplan to benefit everyone who uses the park, attracting more people outside, enjoying the fresh air and making the most of their local green space.”

The online consultation is open until Monday 3 October and can be accessed by here.

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