Business vision in Bournemouth

EXTRA efforts could soon be underway to persuade graduates to set up business in Bournemouth.

Among the ideas put forward in Bournemouth’s Council’s Town Centre Master Vision are creating live-work units and incubation centres (affordable office space with dedicated on-site assistance and close links to education establishments).

The banking, finance and insurance sector is worth more than £1billion to Bournemouth’s economy – the Council is keen to keep existing businesses in the town and attract new ones.

Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of Bournemouth Council, said: “We should be doing more to attract graduates – providing the affordable space and support for them to grow their own businesses is a step towards securing a town which flourishes economically in the long-term.

“We’re also aware that some office blocks here are unsuitable for modern requirements and know that some existing businesses need space to expand – we hope providing quality office space in a clear employment sector will convince them to stay.”

Other ideas under discussion for making Bournemouth more vibrant include bringing more homes to the town centre – that could mean building higher.

 Cllr Beesley added: “We have to provide thousands of new homes by 2026 to meet the Government’s requirements. To do this, whilst protecting our greenbelt and keeping family houses in the wider conurbation, we need to bring more flats to the town centre.

 “The Vision document shows how new flats could be constructed above shops in a manner fitting their surroundings.”

 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.