Building a Bournemouth for the future

The landscape of Bournemouth could be set to change with the unveiling of the Town Centre Master Vision.

Residents and businesses are invited to comment on proposals to regenerate Bournemouth Town Centre.  Pier Approach and Westover Road are among the areas highlighted for major improvements.

Possible changes explained within the consultation document include making the town more pedestrian-friendly, building a botanic garden, a children’s playground, a treetop walkway in the Gardens and improving the flyover at Pier Approach.

Better landscaping and signage is core to the vision; as are later opening hours for stores and creating a programme of events to draw people to the town.

Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of Bournemouth Council, said: “This vision is the result of months of hard work and extensive discussions with the public and with businesses.

“It’s our opportunity to create a Bournemouth which this and future generations can be proud of.  Working with the private sector we can attract extensive investment to inject more quality and keep this a premier destination. We welcome public feedback on these plans.”

The vision also questions whether building new town centre flats will enable the council to meet the government’s demands of more homes, whilst stopping the demolition and conversion of family homes in other parts of the town.

A DVD explaining the vision is available to download from the Council’s website and, over the coming days, further information about the vision will be revealed.

For a copy of the consultation document call 01202 458229 or visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/towncentrevision. Consultation closes on October 31, 2008.