New ideas for a scheme to kick start town centre regeneration were displayed in Bournemouth last week. Proposals have been made to improve Bournemouth Town Centre including the redevelopment of ‘antisocial spot’ Horseshoe Common, and creating a ‘Bond Street’ style shopping strip at Westover Road.

Early ideas for the redevelopment of ‘antisocial spot’ Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth Centre

At a public launch on 23rd September at Pavilion Dance, The Bournemouth Development Company put forward their plans for the redevelopment of Leyton Mount car park as part of efforts to improve adjacent Horseshoe Common. This is set to be the first of many changes earmarked for regeneration by The Bournemouth Development Company over the next two decades. The Company is a partnership between Bournemouth Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

Their plans include building 60 apartments and a commercial unit for a café or restaurant on the corner of Old Christchurch Road. The area has been described as a ‘black spot’ by local residents, with problems stemming from the poor lighting and isolated nature of the park.

Nigel Hedges, President of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, said: “Trying to see the common for the trees has seen Horseshoe Common forgotten and bypassed.

“With the right kind of sensitive, lived-in and living development, the sterile sub-prime Leyton Mount car park has the potential to bring new activity to this important area. It can once again be a focus for social activity, performance and picnicking families.”

60 apartments and a commercial unit planned for the park on Old Christchurch Road

Plans for a multi-storey car park at Madeira Road are proposed to make up for lost car parking spaces. Future projects planned by The Bournemouth Development Company across 17 earmarked sites include a ‘Grand Garden Walk’ with quality public spaces, the promotion of a variety of residential accommodation from affordable family housing to ‘high end’ apartments and the restoration of Westover Road.

Duncan Johnston, of The Bournemouth Development Company, said: “Just as the construction of new homes and investment in public spaces transformed Boscombe Spa, so the right kind of development at Leyton Mount, together with improvements that the Council is planning for Horseshoe Common, will breathe new life into Old Christchurch Road.

“Our proposals for Leyton Mount will act as a catalyst, encouraging greater and safer evening use of the Common and more of a balance between daytime and evening activity along Old Christchurch Road.”

Inspector Dean O’Connor from Dorset Police, added: “Horseshoe Common has become tired and at times a focus for antisocial behaviour. I’d support development which addresses the landscaping of the common and creates opportunities to live and work nearby.

“By improving the design of the area and creating homes for sale or long-term rental we can create a community that takes pride in its surroundings.”