FuturePlaces, BCP Council's urban regeneration company is hosting a Westover Road technical workshop this week to shape plans for the revitalisation of this area. FuturePlaces is a wholly owned urban regeneration company created in 2021 to support the BCP Council's vision to be a place where people and business want to be and improving the quality of life for all. FuturePlaces is playing a key role to the Council's Big Plan to bring significant investment to the area.
Local traders and other key stakeholders will attend the 3-day workshop, known as a Charette, to join the FuturePlaces' stewardship, placemaking experts and council officers from various departments to identify solutions to any challenges faced in the area and agree action plans for the future.
Facilitated by educational charity The Prince's Foundation, the Charette aims to listen to everyone's views, mediate their interests and secure specialist expert input to resolve many issues.
The area that is getting this attention by Westover Road Charette includes the blocks enclosed by Bournemouth Lower Gardens and Westover Road to the east, Bath Road to the South, Old Christchurch Road to the west and Hinton Road to the north. Additionally, they will be taking into context a wider area representing a 10-minute walking radius of the Westover Road to includes Bournemouth Beach, for example.
FuturePlaces Managing Director Gail Mayhew said: “Speaking to local businesses and other organisations shows the passion people have for Westover Road and their desire to see improved public realm design and regeneration of the area. Great placemaking starts with listening to those who care about where they live, work and relax before plans are formulated to ensure the design responds to their needs and aspirations. We look forward to continuing the conversation with stakeholders attending the charette and speaking with residents and businesses in the wider area as we develop our approach to this project.”
Bournemouth Town Centre BID COO Paul Kinvig said: “We support the initiative FuturePlaces has taken to host the Westover Road Charette and canvass the views of our members who are eager to see the area revitalised – attracting increased footfall, better profits, and new, complementary businesses to fill vacant units. Participating in this project enables us to progress our ambition to make a more welcoming, vibrant, and positive Bournemouth town centre. It is critical this scoping initiative moves quickly into action that is beneficial to businesses and visitors alike.”
Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) Vice Chair Rosie Radwell said: “A thriving cultural and retail district is vital to the success of hotels and accommodation providers in attracting a diverse range of guests throughout the year seeking memorable experiences. We welcome the opportunity to share our members’ views to help improve Westover Road and make it a jewel in Bournemouth’s crown once again.”
We shall watch this space for the outcomes and plans in the future.
