Bournemouth and Poole are set to receive £19.9 million through the national levelling up fund to support works on the Dorset seafront.

While Bournemouth Pier remains a key tourist destination for the town, the government identified that ‘significant investment’ would be required to preserve its concrete pillars and timber landings for years to come.

The money will also fund other works on decaying and derelict facilities throughout West Cliff, Boscombe and Hamworthy, including:

• Restoring the bridge and pathway at Upton Country Park to improve cycle and walking routes from Poole town centre.
• Restoring the Hamworthy Seawall.
• Developing a heritage trail featuring public art that links key coastal sites between Upton Country Park and Highcliffe Castle.
• Upgrading two miles of the promenade with new public seating, bins, access improvements and new facilities for cyclists.
• Installing power, water services and 5G at nine sites between Boscombe and the West Cliff.
• Upgrading a training and educational lifeguarding facility on the seafront.
• Regenerating a brownfield site at the East Cliff lift site to open up land for future development and restore an accessible route to the beach.
• Upgrading and repairing the seafront beach huts.

It’s hoped the investment will help encourage new visitors and reduce overcrowding around Bournemouth pier.

Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader of BCP Council and portfolio holder for connected communities, said: “The levelling up fund will support us in our ambitions to unlock the region’s full potential and encourage investment in the future.

“The fund is investing £19.98 million in 11 valuable infrastructure projects across BCP’s seafront, helping to further develop our area and maintain its status as an outstanding seaside resort.

“This will help create of jobs and will attract new business and investment through restoring and developing derelict sites.”

• bcpcouncil.gov.uk

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