Why we need a vision

We're proud of our town but there isn't room for complacency.

For Bournemouth to continue competing with other destinations we need to develop and restore the quality on which our reputation was built.

Present development in Bournemouth has been piecemeal - the vision takes a complete look at the town centre, ensuring development is comprehensive and coordinated.

Increasing the number of people living and working here and attracting more tourists will ensure the town centre is always vibrant, generating trade and enabling us to invest in other parts of the borough.

The vision explained

Specific vision projects will emerge over the coming years and an Area Action Plan will help develop the vision further and enable planning policy to evolve. The Vision Board has established clear goals...

  • A world-class Dance Centre is being created in Bournemouth Pavilion
  • The Town Centre Master Vision will bring vast improvements to Bournemouth's public spaces - making the town easier and more pleasant to experience on foot
  • Pier Approach, near the sea front, will be transformed through better landscaping, removal of clutter and work to the existing flyover
  • Views into the award winning Victorian gardens will be improved and signage and landscaping throughout the town revamped to make it easier to navigate the town
  • The town's main shopping streets will be improved by widening pavements, changing the road network, encouraging distinct retail zones and improving car parking facilities for shoppers
  • An all-weather cafe culture will be promoted to increase town centre vibrancy
  • A programme of events and new attractions will boost the town's visitor appeal and place Bournemouth on the festival circuit
  • A number of prime sites including existing surface car parks will be earmarked for the development of attractions, homes and offices
  • Demand for homes and jobs will be met by building mixed-use developments including new homes and affordable work spaces in the town centre. Business incubator units will give support to graduates wishing to stay to work in Bournemouth and a growing employment quarter will attract new business, retain existing business and encourage a more diverse and skilled workforce
  • Town centre congestion will be tackled through changes to the road network and improved public transport
  • Environmental good practice will be at the heart of all development and this and cleaner public transport will help reduce Bournemouth's carbon footprint.

Vision supporters:

Nigel Hedges, President of Chamber of Trade and Commerce: “This town has a vision – it’s determined to carry it through and at each opportunity when different aspects of the plans have been shown to the Chamber they’ve been impressive and built in reality. The most exciting aspect is that businesses are being engaged at every level for their opinions and at each opportunity there is enthusiasm to participate.”

Neal Butterworth, Editor, Bournemouth Daily Echo: “As a key employer within the town, we share the hopes and aspirations of the business community, as well as the council, for the healthy future of this wonderful resort. The Town Centre Vision has a massive part to play in that future.”