TALKS have been held with a potential operator for the use of King’s Park Nursery in Boscombe. 

BCP Council closed the much-loved and historic plant nursery in the spring in a bid to balance the books and save £85k this financial year. 

At a full council meeting on November 4, Boscombe councillor Patrick Canavan asked what has happened with the site since and what are the plans for the future. 

Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said it is “work in progress” while discussions take place on a lease agreement. 

King's Park Nursery King's Park Nursery (Image: BCP Council)

Care home provider Tricuro and King’s Park school have been involved in talks with those who expressed an interest in a lease agreement for 25 years, Cllr Moore said. 

She added: “A range of groups came forward and three expressions of interest for the full use of the site were received. 

“These were reviewed based on their approach to a financial operation business plan of the site, outline of organisational structure, experience, community and social benefits from use of the site and sustainability of future use. 

“We are now working with a preferred partner to explore options for the plant nursery site while they seek funding for resources. 

“The development of the lease arrangement for the site can then progress.” 

Cllr Canavan replied: “When the decision was taken to close the nursery, the amount of money in savings was quoted and as part of that an allocation of money was set aside to enable the transfer of this facility to the community.” 

A total of £10,000 was put aside from the budget to explore future community uses for the nursery.

Cllr Canavan asked Cllr Moore what has happened to the money and whether the transfer will happen. 

Cllr Moore said: “I don’t have the answer. I will look into it and give you a written reply.” 

The local authority received widespread criticism for the “out of the blue” closure announcement during the nursery’s 100th year. 

Council leader Millie Earl said the plant nursery has been running at a “significant loss” and it “isn’t sustainable” given the financial pressures the authority is under.  

She said: “Last year, the cost of operating the nursery was £527,574 and the income that the nursery generated was £302,158, this meant that the council taxpayers from our three towns subsidised the nursery by £225,416.”