THE future of investment in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s 40 miles of coastline is up for debate.

BCP Council, which is responsible for managing the seafront spaces, has published its draft seafront development strategy.

The policies contained within the strategy aim to reflect the local authority’s objectives of supporting the natural environment, encouraging enterprise and ambition, and reflecting tastes and desires.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar BCP Council portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “We’ve drafted a set of aims within the Seafront Strategy and now we’ll invite discussion to agree the way forward.

“The seafront and its many locations have a special place in the hearts of our residents, so the engagement no doubt will be keen.

“I’ll welcome everyone’s input so that we protect the right things and provide for the future – but let’s also be bold about what could lift and energise our resort in just the right way.”

The draft strategy includes a breakdown of how it will support each of the 18 coastal “character areas” from Highcliffe across to Hamworthy.

At Bournemouth’s central beaches improvements to the promenade are proposed, along with a “long-term vision” for Bournemouth Pier, reviewing the future of Undercliff Drive car park and developing beach sport facilities.

The plan also mentions redevelopment of the Happyland Amusements site which, as previously reported, has been discussed before as the location for a hotel scheme.

On the ‘Chines’ section of the coast, a new cafe and kiosk could be delivered, as well as investment in beach huts, with the possibility of more overnight beach lodges.

A café could be developed around the Jon Egging Memorial site on the East Cliff, with new planting and a toilet block development near the broken East Cliff lift.

Sandbanks could see a replacement pavilion, new leisure facilities and construction of a “low rise decked car park” and new beach huts.

In Christchurch, there could be investment in public toilet and shower facilities at Mudeford Sandbank, watersports provision at Mudeford Quay & Gundimore Prom and improved parking arrangements at Avon and Friars Cliff Beaches.

At Highcliffe, the plan is to “maintain the undeveloped nature of this area”/

The seafront strategy will update previous plans to set the council’s ambitions for a seafront promoting forward investment in the leisure offer across our coastline for the continuing enjoyment of both residents and visitors.

Residents can have their say on the proposals and give their feedback to help inform the council’s priority areas for regeneration and identify actions for a 5-year seafront investment plan by visiting bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafrontstrategy.

NOTE: This article was originally published on July 27, 2021.