Summary of consultation findings

Following extensive public consultation, planning consent for the Boscombe Spa Village
redevelopment was granted in September 2005. Final design work will be undertaken during 2006.

Visitor surveys & consultation process, Boscombe Spa Village Survey 2003

(1200 residents across town + 1100 in Boscombe)

Identified Priorities:

• A revitalised Boscombe Pier
• Improved landscaping, lighting & street furniture
• A restaurant with panoramic views
• A Mediterranean style piazza
• An artificial surf reef
• No amusement arcade

Seafront Visitor Survey 2003 – Priorities

• Safe, clean beaches
• Range of catering offers
• Good quality toilets and showers

Roadshows – May 2005 Around planning application

• Strong support for scheme
• Strong support for new car parking provision from outset and for peak season weekend park & ride and variable message service.

Extracts from the 'Boscombe Spa Village Consultation 2003' including Bournemouth Citizens Panel 9, the Boscombe Spa Survey & Bournemouth Youth Survey as prepared by the Market Research Group, Bournemouth University on behalf of Bournemouth Council

Facilities Wanted for Boscombe Seafront
"It was immediately identified that only a very small percentage (1%) of adults wanted 'None' of the proposed facilities, with respondents nominating 3 facilities each on average. This would seem to suggest that the proposed leisure development is popular amongst residents and offers something of interest to almost everyone.

• A 'Revitalised Boscombe Pier' was the most popular facility, with around nine out of ten (89%) adults stating they would like this.
• Improved 'Lighting, Landscaping & Street Furniture' (81%), a 'Mediterranean Style Piazza' (74%) and 'A Surf Reef' (59%) would also be welcomed by a significant majority of residents.
• About half of residents would like a 'Family Arts & Crafts Centre' (48%) and around a third wanted an 'Interactive Sculpture Trail' (34%)."
  

"There were also some differences of opinion here between the different age groups, with younger adult residents aged under 25 far more likely to nominate more facilities than older residents. They placed particular emphasis on a 'Revitalised Boscombe Pier' (100%), the 'Mediterranean Style Piazza' (84%) and 'A Surf Reef' (74%).

• Those aged 26-44 were also more likely to nominate these facilities, albeit to a lesser extent than their younger counterparts (89%, 83% and 66% respectively). These facilities may be more suited to change.
• Those responding to the Youth survey (aged under 18) were also more likely to nominate 'A Surf Reef' (81%) than adults, but were far less likely than average to request improved 'Lighting, Landscaping & Street Furniture (69%), perhaps because they are more mobile and worry less about their personal safety.

Those that do not visit the area currently were understandably less likely to nominate facilities (9% said 'none') than those who actually use the seafront at present."

Boscombe Seafront Facilities

"In addition, the concept of a surf reef was popular with a majority of adults (59%), but even more so with people under 44 who are morel likely to be involved in water sports.  The inclusion of this facility would encourage this age group to visit, and perhaps visitors from afield."