THE first phase of work to breathe new life into a town is set to begin.

These improvement works, for the Penny’s Walk and Victoria Road areas in Ferndown, will commence in the next few months.

The initial phase of work will see old planters removed in Victoria Road, replacing them with a new design and looking at new seating near the library.

This will make this space a more modern and community-focused area.

Consultations will be held on some concept designs, to make sure the community is involved in the final design.

It is hoped that additional funding can replicate the look and feel of this small area down Victoria Road and possibly Penny’s Walk, with the addition of an improved street lighting system.

The new design aims to better connect people with nature in the town.

Cllr Mike Parkes, Dorset Council’s ward member for Ferndown, said: “I am thrilled that some of this work is now starting to take shape. Since the Town Centre Strategy was drawn up in 2017, I’ve been keen to get elements of the recommendations underway.

“The new planters and seating on Victoria Road in will be a very welcome addition to the town centre which I hope will increase footfall and give residents and visitors to Ferndown and more pleasant and greener experience.”

Phase two will add a revised parking scheme for Victoria Road to make getting to the shops easier for those than need to travel by car.

The third and final phase will focus on spaces for new retailers, hospitality businesses and a refreshed public space for events, markets and town life in Penny’s Walk.

This phase will also include growing the night-time economy and support for existing shops and businesses around Victoria Road.

A £20,000 funding package to design the new seating and planters in Victoria Road is part of the ‘Reconnecting with Nature Spaces’, coordinated by Litter Free Dorset.

Sophie Carpenter from Litter Free Dorset said: “We hope these improvements create a safe space where the community can gather, pollinators can thrive, as well as encourage a sense of pride in Ferndown”.

These works are as a result of recommendations made to the town council and the then East Dorset District Council following a comprehensive appraisal of the town in 2017.