BCP Council has confirmed that the second construction phase of a new safe cycling and walking route will start this month.

Phase two of the sustainable travel route across Kings Park will begin on November 15 and will be running until September 2022. The authority has also outlined the specific works taking place.

The work, which follows the recent installation of a toucan crossing linking the cycle and walking path across Harewood Avenue, is part of the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF1) and will form a section of the new 8km sustainable travel route connecting Bournemouth Station to Jumpers Common in Christchurch.

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said: “This phase of the work brings real benefits for all users of Kings Park whilst helping to encourage sustainable travel.

“It provides the separate cycle and walking lanes, which many people have asked for, as well as extra lighting and new informal pedestrian crossings for improved safety when walking or running in the park, particularly after dark.”

The improvements will include:

  • A new, separate cycle path will be installed next to the existing footpath between the Vitality Stadium and Harewood Avenue.
  • A new separate 3m wide two-way cycle path and 2m wide footpath separated by an area of wildflower planting will be installed alongside Kings Park Bowling Green
  • Improved cycle and walking facility alongside the car park by the Vitality Stadium
  • A new informal raised crossing will be installed over Kings Park Drive between the car park at the Vitality Stadium and Kings Park Bowling Green to slow traffic and provide a safer area for pedestrians to cross
  • Improvements to existing lighting and installation of new lighting through the park to improve safety and security
  • New wayfinding signage
  • Disabled parking spaces will be relocated from the eastern side of the cricket pavilion and café to the Ashley Road side of the building
  • Installation of new larger raised crossing, improved pedestrian facilities and cycle parking facilities outside the café
  • Changing some parking bay locations on Kings Park Drive to create safe access along the new cycle track

During the work there will be occasions where the roads across Kings Park will need to be closed to traffic for the work to be carried out. During these times, diversion routes will be in place. Notice of these diversions will be given in advance to their being put in place.

The final phase of the Kings Park work (between Harewood Avenue and Sevenoaks Drive) is estimated to start in summer 2022 and conclude during the winter. It includes:

  • Improvements to the existing shared use cycle and walking path between Kings Park and Cowell Drive, including widening where required, and vegetation clearance
  • Other existing cycle and walking paths on the eastern side of Kings Park will be widened and resurfaced
  • Upgrading existing lighting and installing new lighting to improve safety and security

Plans for these improvements were informed by responses gathered during public engagement in late 2020 and formal consultation which ran from February 24 to March 31 this year.