Poole High Street building regeneration making progress

Repairs will be carried out at several listed or centuries old buildings in Poole High Street as part of the town’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project thanks to a partnership between Historic England and BCP Council.

Poole town centre has 35 listed buildings, several of which have fallen into disrepair or have been changed “unsympathetically”.

With £1.25m of investment planned for the town centre by 2024, it is hoped the projects will revitalise the historic buildings and help to boost the town’s character and economy.

Poole High Street restoration. Picture: BCP Council

The projects currently under way include:

• Scaplen’s Court. Historic England has funded specialist works to this Grade I listed building. Albion Stonemasons are cleaning and re-pointing the late 15th and early 16th century internal walls, fireplaces and doorways. The stonemasons have identified original wall features which will be retained for the public to see.
• 2 High Street. The walls have been redecorated and new windows are being replaced at this 18th century Grade II listed building.
• Grade II listed Cinnamon House, 24-26 High Street. The roofs of this pair of 18th century houses, now shops, have been repaired. A new gate to the side passage and handrail have replaced modern materials.

Grade II listed Cinnamon House, 24-26 High Street in Poole. Picture: BCP Council

• Grade II listed Cornmarket House, 34-36 High Street dates to around 1830 and is undergoing structural repairs. Replacement shop windows and signage are being installed.
• Renewal of the ground floor interiors of Grade II listed 1-3 New Orchard is complete, including the discovery of a fireplace. The shopfront has been redecorated and signage is complete.
• The Grade II listed Thai Pantry Café at 5-9 New Orchard has been redecorated.

There are also improvements to the public spaces, including:

• New Purbeck stone paving linking the two entrances to Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court.
• Windsor style wall lanterns and 50 new lanterns for the redecorated lampposts on the High Street.

Historic lamp posts in Poole have been repainted. Picture: BCP Council

The next buildings scheduled for repair are 9-11 High Street and Grand Parade and 20 High Street. Repairs to 153 High Street are to be confirmed.

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, BCP Council portfolio holder for culture and vibrant places, said: “The history and character of Poole High Street is significant and incredibly important to local residents and businesses. It is a joy to see investment on this scale committed to the restoration of important buildings that celebrate Poole's maritime heritage and revitalise its old town charm.”