BCP Council 'fully committed' to Boscombe regeneration

Residents, business owners and councillors have been accusing BCP Council of “abandoning” the Bournemouth town. 

They have said the high street is dirty, empty and there is little to show for the £21.7m Towns Fund grant for regeneration. 

Hitting back, Cllr Slade said five out of five projects have been delivered since 2020, including a digital skills hub “aimed at improving people’s skillsets and employability”, she said. 

There has also been free wi-fi which has been rolled out and Toft Box business park along the beach – which is so far a year late to open. 

In addition, there was a ‘high street refresh’ and a ‘digital infrastructure project’ and at some point in the future a redevelopment of Hawkwood Road car park into flats and a medical centre. 

However, the Royal Arcade project regeneration has been ditched because of costs. 

Cllr Slade said: “Whilst it is no longer financially viable for the council to invest in the Royal Arcade, it was agreed at cabinet and full council meetings last month that the money set aside to restore the Grade II listed building can now be used to fund several other planned initiatives as part of the Towns Fund grant. 

Council leader Vikki Slade (Image: Freelance)

“These plans include improvements to shopfronts on Boscombe high street with the creation of a conservation area in the town centre progressing, as well as new homes, a medical and community centre, an Activity Learning Hub at Kings Park to provide a multi-functional space and many more.” 

She added: “In the meantime, the planning application for the Royal Arcade will progress to its conclusion so options for its future can be taken forward.”