Chancellor gives Bournemouth £21.7m for regeneration plans

Bournemouth has secured almost £22m in a 'landmark deal' to revamp Boscombe.

Civic leaders said the funding confirmed in Wednesday's budget would 'turbo charge' their 'ambitious' regeneration plans for the area.

The proposals include new buildings, public spaces and better transport connections.

BCP Council’s Deputy Leader Philip Broadhead, said; "We are delighted to secure this landmark deal, which will not only benefit Bournemouth but the whole BCP area.

"With a focus on Boscombe and the surrounding area this external funding will unlock a number of significant regeneration schemes.

"From job creation, skills and training, to new homes, and world leading digital connectivity, this is a significant moment for Bournemouth and the wider city region.

"We will invest in Boscombe’s infrastructure by creating a new urban neighbourhood offering a vibrant and attractive environment where people want to be and be seen.

"We will bring about new buildings with mixed use commercial, retail, leisure and residential elements all working side by side, offering a thriving mix of public spaces, cafes, shops, homes and places to work,"

The plans will see the Sovereign Shopping Centre replaced with a mixed use neighbourhood of shops and homes, as well as a new public square

Historic buildings are included in the proposals with plans to bring the Royal Arcade back into use.

Haviland Road between Palmerston Road (Lidl) and Haviland Road West will be restored as a street with generous pavements, cycle lanes, bus stops and tree planting all leading up to a new community hall and gardens.

Providing better transport infrastructure and improving the links between Boscombe, the seafront, Pokesdown train station and AFC Bournemouth will also be funded.

Around 560 new homes, 6,700sqm of retail and leisure floor space and 4,800 sqm of commercial, community and health floor space have been earmarked as part of the plans.

Detailed business plans will now be drawn up.