Flats and family houses planned for Bournemouth town centre

The scheme for the vacant site in Christchurch Road includes 33 family houses with private gardens and two apartment blocks providing 12 one-bed flats.

Poole-based AJC Group said its vision for the land to the rear of Lansdowne House would make an “important contribution” towards Bournemouth’s housing supply.

The developer said it placed a “deliberate focus on delivering family houses”, adding that there is a drastic need for it in the town centre.

The plans included houses for families and two apartment blocks (Image: AJC)

The proposed site currently features an area of hardstanding and the vacant bingo hall building, which would be demolished under the plans.

Lansdowne House and the current car parking would remain in place.

The site has been vacant since 2020 and was extensively marketed, but no commercial interest has been expressed for leisure and cultural use, AJC Group said.

A statement from the housebuilder said: “As a town centre site, it is in a very sustainable location, offering convenient access to local shops and services.

“The occupation of the site by future residents will also help to drive additional footfall and expenditure to the many local shops and services just a short walk from the site.

“The redevelopment will greatly transform the visual appearance and safety of the site, which unfortunately currently attracts antisocial behaviour given the lack of natural surveillance and lighting and its long-term status as a vacant building.”

Other benefits cited by the developer include an opportunity to increase green space and landscaping and building homes to the latest energy-efficient standards.

The redevelopment would create a “variety of jobs” for a period of 18 months and a significant one-time economic boost during construction, AJC said.

Buzz Bingo called time on its operation in Christchurch Road in July 2020 because of the Covid pandemic.

Buzz Bingo closed its Bournemouth operation three years ago

In early 2022, BCP Council’s Local Plan issues and options consultation identified potential for residential development on the site.

AJC is yet to submit a planning application and it is seeking views from residents. Feedback can be provided online at consultwithyou.co.uk/ajc/christchurchroad