Boscombe Regeneration

31/03/2026

🌐 Website Update

Our website has been refreshed to reflect the progress being made across Better Boscombe.

With some projects now completed and others moving steadily forward, we’ve updated the site so you can easily see what’s been achieved so far and what’s coming next.

We’re proud of what has been delivered to date and would like to thank the Boscombe community for their patience and continued support as the programme moves forward.

See what's new 👉 betterboscombe.co.uk

28/03/2026

🌿 Woodland Walk – Then & Now

Woodland Walk Nature Reserve has seen some incredible changes, transforming into a greener, safer and more welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

From clearer walking routes and improved entrances to new seating, signage and natural features, the area has been carefully enhanced while protecting its woodland character.

🌳 Improvements include:
• Safer, more accessible pathways
• Improved links between the High Street and seafront
• New sculptures, planting and wildlife features
• Upgraded entrances, signage and places to stop and enjoy the space

These improvements make it easier to explore, encourage more people to walk between key areas, and create a space the community can feel proud of.

Take a look at the transformation 👇

13/03/2026

🏗️ AJC Group Appointed to Deliver Boscombe’s New Community Centre

We’re pleased to share an important milestone for the Boscombe Community Centre.

The construction contract has now been awarded to AJC Group, a local construction company based in Poole. Works are currently planned to begin in May, with an 18-month build programme and a target completion of late Summer 2027.

This project marks a major step forward in creating a community space shaped around local needs, delivered by a contractor committed to employing local people and supporting the wider area.

🎥 In this interview, one of AJC’s construction managers shares insight into the work involved and what it means to play a role in Boscombe’s future.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.

09/03/2026

🚦 Safer Roads Improvements – What’s Changed and Why

All planned Safer Roads improvements across Christchurch Road and Ashley Road are now complete.

These works form part of a wider sustainable travel route linking Bournemouth Train Station to Kings Park and beyond, designed to make everyday journeys safer, calmer and easier for everyone.

The improvements focus on:
• Safer walking routes for families, school pupils and park users
• Better access between Kings Park, nearby neighbourhoods and quieter side streets
• Clearer, safer crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists
• Protected space for cycling and reduced vehicle speeds
• Improved visibility and traffic flow at key junctions

Key changes include new toucan and zebra crossings, wider footways, safer side-road entry treatments, cycling contraflows on quieter roads, and updated road markings to support safer driving behaviour.

Together, these measures help reduce collision risk, improve accessibility for disabled users, and encourage more people to walk and cycle with confidence.

Thank you to residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these important safety improvements were delivered.

06/03/2026

🌿 Boscombe High Street – Celebrating the latest news!

We’ve started 2026 with positive progress on the Boscombe High Street improvements. This includes:

🌱 Urban Greening Planters
The urban design planter scheme is in the final stages which is exciting news. We'll be looking for suppliers to manufacture the products, ahead of planting season in the Autumn. These planters will help bring more greenery, colour and planting into the High Street environment.

🏬 Shopfront Renovation Grants
The renovation grant scheme has remobilised, with work beginning on two new shopfronts. This continues our work to improve the look and feel of the High Street and support local traders.

We’ll continue to share updates as these projects move forward.

28/02/2026

Thrive 2026 – A Brilliant Day for Boscombe

Thrive 2026 brought organisations and the community together for a lively, welcoming event at the Auger Collective.

The focus was on connection and accessibility — giving residents the chance to access support in one place, while local organisations and exhibitors connected, shared ideas and built new relationships. From health checks and care services to skills providers and community activities, the day created a real buzz and a strong sense of collaboration.

It was a great example of how bringing people together can make a meaningful impact for Boscombe. Thank you to everyone who took part, exhibited, and helped make the day such a success.

Read all about it 👉 betterboscombe.co.uk/blog/thrive-2026-event/

26/02/2026

🛍️ Boscombe High Street – Project Update

Our team continues to make steady progress across High Street improvements, supporting local traders while preparing for wider public realm enhancements. Here’s the latest update:

🏬 Trader Grants
Award letters are being issued for the final round of Trader Grants.

🔨 Renovation Grants – Progress Update
• 573 – All Works complete
• 571 – Flooring works complete- awaiting building control sign off
• 567 – New grant letter to be issued following planning approval
• 575 – Works scheduled to finish by early June

🌿 Public Realm Improvements
Work continues behind the scenes on the greening of the High Street:
• Procurement for planters and benches is ongoing
• Camera upgrades are being scheduled
• Tender awards and orders will follow as the programme progresses

📄 Programme milestones achieved
• Dedicated web pages for Trader and Renovation Grants launched
• Leaflets distributed to encourage applications
• Design Guide summary leaflet produced
• 38 Trader Grants awarded and 5 New awards being issued
• 6 shopfronts renovated to date
• 3 new residential unit unlocked due to shop front investment
• 3 refurbished derelict units

These combined efforts continue to support local businesses while laying the groundwork for a greener, more welcoming High Street. Further updates will be shared as projects move forward.

25/02/2026

🏗️ Christchurch Road Update

We wanted to share a quick update on the former WHSmith site at 625 Christchurch Road.

The main building demolition is now complete, which is an important step towards creating a new pedestrian retail boulevard in the heart of Boscombe. This future space will help improve the flow between shops and make the area more welcoming for visitors and residents.

Work will continue over the coming months, with party wall and propping works to the neighbouring building (623 Christchurch Road) taking place through to March 2026.

Thank you for your patience while the transformation continues.

20/02/2026

The Digital Skills Hub Boscombe itself is closing, but our website will continue to provide resources for residents & businesses, and assets for organisations who might be interested in adopting some of the highly-successful courses we hosted during the Hub’s operation 🎉

See all available courses here 👉https://www.digitalskillshub.org.uk/

The Digital Skills Hub itself is closing, but our website will continue to provide resources for residents & businesses, and assets for organisations who might be interested in adopting some of the highly-successful courses we hosted during the Hub’s operation 🎉👇

We’ve turned all the good stuff into a legacy site that lives on — think of it as your go-to hub for practical digital skills info & learn-at-your-pace resources 🌐✨:

You can also read about how the local community was transformed through our courses and workshops 💬📸

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, it’s all in one place — archived and accessible. Go explore 👉 digitalskillshub.org.uk (link in our bio) 🔗

💡🌍✨

17/02/2026

🌿 Woodland Walk – Project Update

Work continues at Woodland Walk to improve the space for nature, visitors and the local community. Here’s the latest update on what’s happening now and what’s being planned:

🌸 Planting & Green Improvements
Bare root blossom trees are being planted this February, adding seasonal colour and supporting local biodiversity.

🚪 Improving Access
We are continuing to follow up on the proposed new gateway linking Woodland Walk with the Health Sciences University, helping improve access and connections.

📋 Looking Ahead
A Woodland Walk management plan is being drafted to guide future maintenance, improvements and long-term development of the nature reserve.

🌳 Local Nature Reserve Status
Work is progressing towards securing Local Nature Reserve (LNR) designation, which will help protect Woodland Walk and recognise its value for wildlife and the community.

These steps will help ensure Woodland Walk continues to grow as a welcoming, well-managed and nature-rich space for everyone to enjoy.

14/02/2026

🏘️ New Neighbourhood Masterplan – Latest Update

Our team has been working hard behind the scenes, and we’re pleased to share the latest progress on plans for the new neighbourhood as part of the wider Better Boscombe programme.

🏠 Housing
The project is moving through the next approval stages, with key decisions scheduled for early and late February 2026. These approvals will allow the scheme to progress in line with national funding deadlines.

🚧 What happens next
Subject to approval, work on site is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, with construction expected to take around 24 months.

🛍️ Local retail opportunities
Alongside new homes, discussions are underway with council estates teams and a retail agent to explore options for small retail kiosks within the neighbourhood.

These steps help keep the project on track while supporting long-term investment, new homes and local opportunities for Boscombe.

More updates will be shared as plans move forward.