Vision for new retail quarter in Bournemouth town centre

Work on a development brief for the Avenue Road area, including the shopping centre and former M&S building, is trying to make the most of a “once in a generation opportunity to create something special”, BCP Council’s deputy leader has said.

Cllr Philip Broadhead said there is a chance to create a “mews style” independent retail quarter, citing the example of The Lanes in Brighton.

The senior Conservative councillor said work on the brief is ongoing, with consultations set to take place ahead of plans being presented at council meetings later this year.

Commercial Road in Bournemouth town centre (Image: Newsquest)

“This is an extremely important part of Bournemouth’s high street, and we have a number of investors very keen to develop this area,” Cllr Broadhead told the Daily Echo.

“However, it’s vital that any new development here builds into the future vision of what the town centre should offer.

“The emerging thinking is that this zone could provide an incredible opportunity for a new ‘mews style’ independent retail quarter as part of the redevelopment, akin to The Lanes in Brighton.

“Its location in the very heart of the town centre, access to one of our major town centre car parks, proximity to the gardens and need for renewal means we have a once in a generation opportunity to create something special here.

“The council do not own these buildings, but we can shape the policy for what should happen here.”

Cllr Broadhead said an “intense amount of work” had already been carried out with residents and businesses to help shape the future of high streets across the conurbation.

He said while district high streets, such as Westbourne, Southbourne and Broadstone, were doing well, the core town centre high streets were changing rapidly.

The former M&S store, left, and The Avenue shopping centre in Commerical Road

This move is seeing larger chain stores disappear. Examples in Bournemouth include the departure of Debenhams, M&S, Beales and House of Fraser.

Cllr Broadhead said the town centres were seeing high footfall compared to other parts of country.

As reported, work is already progressing in Westover Road, where Cllr Broadhead is aiming to make the street “the jewel in Bournemouth’s crown”. Further details on the plans are expected this year.

In relation to the Avenue Road quarter, Cllr Broadhead said: “Work on this development brief is ongoing and will be consulted widely and we will be bringing forward plans in the autumn to embed the final vision into planning policy.

“This could be a great opportunity to reignite the shopping offer in central Bournemouth and we’re fortunate to have significant investors all aligned and determined to see our town thrive into the future.”