BOURNEMOUTH town centre is not all bad news.
While the town does have its problems like many places across the country, there are reasons to be optimistic that it is starting to turn a corner.
Here are seven reasons new businesses expected to open in Bournemouth in the coming months:
The Ivy
Perhaps the biggest and most obvious new business moving into Bournemouth is the London-based high-end restaurant chain The Ivy.
Work is well underway to get the restaurant open in time for Christmas, including a recruitment drive for 120 new jobs.
At the helm of this new venture will be general manager Barnaby Harris-Reid, who brings expertise from The Ivy Chichester and head chef Romuald Richomme.
From early morning breakfasts to late-night cocktails, the restaurant will provide a “warm and welcoming atmosphere” for up to 208 guests and an outside terrace for 50 customers.
The menu at The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie promises something for every palate, with a wide array of modern, seasonal dishes.
The Botanist
Another premium restaurant that’s coming to Bournemouth town centre is The Botanist. Work will begin fitting out the restaurant at the end of the year, with bosses hoping to open next year.
The botanical-themed restaurant will feature a beautifully restored sun terrace, once home to the iconic Bobby’s tea rooms, as well as outdoor space for diners.
Around 80 people will be employed in the area ahead of the opening.
Tim McCormac, property director at New World Trading Company which operates the Botanist, said it is an “exciting moment” for the business and the regeneration of Bobby’s as a “new lifestyle destination”.
Nick Coupe of Verve Properties, representing Bobby’s, said The Botanist is the perfect fit for the famous building.
Revival Wellness Cafe
Revival Wellness Cafe is next to Mr Simms sweet shop in Old Christchurch Road and is expected to open in the autumn.
The couple behind the cafe said it is “more than just a cafe”, but a place committed to “nurturing the health of our bodies, minds, communities and environment”.
Taking inspiration from the “organic beauty of nature and the sophistication” of cities such as Dubai, Paris and London the café is said to be a “statement of elegance, intention and innovation”.
They said: “From the organic ingredients in our dishes to the serene ambiance of our space, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to offer an escape from the bustle of everyday life.
“Opening autumn 2024, a new chapter in Bournemouth’s story unfolds—one where your wellbeing takes centre stage.”
Student flats
Bournemouth town centre will soon get thousands of new residents living there thanks to the redevelopment of the former House of Fraser in Old Christchurch Road into student accommodation.
Carve Developments has named the building Bright House – after Bright’s of Bournemouth, founded in the town in 1871.
Work on redeveloping the stricken building has already begun after planning permission was granted last December.
Completion of 129 premium en-suite student bedrooms is targeted for September 2024, in time for the new academic year.
And the 10 commercial units on the ground floor are expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2025, according to Goadsby.
Any businesses interested can contact Grant via email, grant.cormack@goadsby.com, or phone 01202 550135 or 07776217453.
JD Gyms
JD Gyms will replace the former Wilko unit in Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth.
It was previously announced that the gym would be opening its doors at the end of 2023 however, the company is now advertising its launch date for early 2025.
JD Gyms website says the brand new gym will offer a “huge selection of industry-leading equipment set in stylish surroundings”.
It is set to include a large amount of free weights and a selection of plate loaded machines including brands such as Hammer Strength.
The gym will also contain cardio equipment, rowing equipment Consept2 ergs and a dedicated glute zone.
New tapas restaurant
A premises licence application has been submitted for a new tapas restaurant at 13 Richmond Hill.
The application, submitted by a Mr Arber Bundo, requests permission for late night refreshments between 11pm and midnight daily, and alcohol sales between 10am and midnight daily.
The unit, formerly occupied by the betting shop Coral and next door to the Wildwood restaurant, is currently vacant.
Although contractors have been seen working at the site.
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