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Detailed ideas put forward for Town Centre |
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The most detailed consultation to date about the future of Bournemouth Town Centre has been launched.
The results will help create an Area Action Plan to shape planning policy, guide change and determine the appropriate scale and type of regeneration delivered through the Town Centre Vision.
The options up for discussion have been shaped by earlier vision consultations. Issues raised include the future of key development sites, whether and where to allow tall buildings, the creation of new public spaces and how to make the town centre easier to move around.
Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of Bournemouth Council, urged the public to take part. He said: “Your comments will help us decide appropriate uses for certain parcels of land within the town centre and will gauge public appetite for change.
“The Town Centre Vision is progressing well – six private companies and consortiums interested in working with us to fund and deliver the vision will be short listed to two or three in March and the successful bidder will be selected in June.
“The public-private partnership will generate hundreds of millions of pounds of improvements such as new homes, offices, retail opportunities and attractions alongside improvements to infrastructure and the physical environment.”
The consultation document considers options for establishing a ‘sustainable travel priority zone’ to give greater priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. This could involve widening pavements, reducing the width of some roads, creating more cycle or bus lanes and introducing some shared surface streets to encourage slower traffic speeds.
It also seeks views on the future locations of public car parking and gives ideas to better link the railway station with the town centre.
The consultation document can be viewed at all Bournemouth libraries, in the planning offices in St Stephens Road and online at www.towncentrevision.co.uk . Responses must be submitted by March 8, 2010.
Drop-in sessions providing further information about the consultation will also be held in Bournemouth Library between 1pm and 3pm on February 6, 5pm to 7pm on February 9 and 10am to midday on February 10.
The final Area Action Plan will be announced following further stages of consultation, government scrutiny and a public inquiry.
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Fibrecity Announces Water Meter Initiative |
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Fibre optic infrastructure specialist, i3 Group has today announced that it proposes to install water meters as part of its strategy to utilise its Fibrecity networks to help households become more cost effective and energy efficient.
An independent review conducted last year recommended an approach that will see water meters in homes rise from 35% to 80% by 2020. To support this Fibrecity Holdings plans to roll out water meters to households, starting with Bournemouth, via its Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections which will allow the collection of real time data by the water companies. This initiative is the start of wider water leakage strategy that i3 Group has been developing over the last 12 months.
Elfed Thomas, CEO, i3 Group said: "The benefit of water meters is clear as they help to monitor water usage and the specification of these meters means they can also be connected to our Fibrecity network to facilitate remote data capture by the water companies.
"Fibrecities are a technology platform for service delivery and so a perfect fit for water and other utility companies that want to introduce smart meters in line with Government initiatives. The fibre optic connection will allow them to access data in real time and provide the household with actual real-time use of all energy.
"We see this as just the start as additional technologies can and will be introduced to Fibrecity homes to ensure more cost effective and energy efficient households in the future."
i3 Group already has innovative partnerships with many of the UK's water companies as its patented FS System utilises ready made ducts including the sewer system to lay fibre optic cable which avoids costly road digs. The Group's methods mean that communication networks can be laid quickly and cost effectively with the minimum of disruption.
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Council buys the IMAX |
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The first step has been taken towards redeveloping the Waterfront building on Bournemouth seafront, with the Council agreeing to buy the building.
Council Leader, Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin, said, “We have listened to Bournemouth’s residents who want to see the seafront rid of the detested IMAX building. We have given the existing occupiers enough time to deliver on this site and will not wait for action any longer. The time is right for the Council to seize the initiative.
“Bournemouth Council is taking advantage of the recession to make this happen. The opportunity has arisen to buy the Waterfront building at an affordable price. We have already exchanged contracts and the purchase will be completed on Monday 1 February – at which point the Council will own the building.”
Councillor MacLoughlin went on to explain, “This is the first step in the process and there are still a number of hurdles to be overcome before we can bring back some sea views and commence development of an all-weather attraction. This will take time and will not happen overnight.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr John Beesley, said: “We are purchasing the building but we still need to secure vacant possession from the remaining sub-tenants before we can proceed with any re-development. We are entering into negotiations with all the relevant parties, in parallel with initiating a Compulsory Purchase Order.”
Cllr Beesley stated, “Let’s not forget, this is a prime seafront location and our aspirations extend beyond simply just getting rid of this eyesore. We want to develop a new facility which can accommodate leisure, arts, culture and entertainment attractions for the public to enjoy whatever the weather.” Cllr Beesley continued, “Acquiring this building now means that the contribution the site can make to Bournemouth through the Town Centre Master Vision will significantly add to the value of the Pier Approach area both financially and socially.”
Cllr MacLoughlin concluded, “The Council has taken the opportunity brought about by the recession to deal with this eyesore. Based on public feedback, we know this move will have widespread support. The redevelopment of the site for viable, all-weather attractions will enhance the town’s image and reputation as Britain’s premier resort.”
The Council explored this option over two years ago but the cost of purchasing the building and the various sub-leases was estimated at that time as being around £15 million, which was unaffordable. The cost now, to buy and demolish the building is expected to be around half this figure. This will be funded from a mix of existing capital receipts not yet earmarked for projects, and prudential borrowing by the Council.
President of the Chamber, Nigel Hedges, said, "One of the most frequently mentioned problems in Bournemouth has been the world famous and nationally derided Waterfront building. This is not only great news but a fantastic opportunity for the town to have a first class leisure attraction tp mirror the Oceanarium and complete the visitor appeal of the pier head area." |
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Christmas Window Competition Winners |
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Whilst appearing in Snow White at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth this Christmas, Pantomime star Chris Jarvis, of CBeebies fame announced the winner of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Retail Skillshop’s Christmas Window Display Competition.
Over the past few weeks Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce Executive member Mandy Payne and Carol Butler, Business Support Manager, have toured the conurbation judging the impact of retailers’ window displays.
Mandy Payne, said ‘It is hoped that this will become an annual competition which will attract fierce competition between retailers. For Christmas 2010 the Chamber will be building on this year’s achievements and encouraging businesses to help make the shopping experience across Bournemouth even more enticing and enjoyable for all.
The first prize was awarded to Sturtons and Tappers Furnishings in Winton, 2nd prize to Rickards in Moordown and 3rd prize to Cherish Gifts in Boscombe, all of whom had created a Christmas themed window which showed innovation and brought the Christmas spirit to the High Street.
David Scott, Chairman of Sturtons and Tappers Furnishings, said “Over many years people have come to Winton just to admire our windows. We receive comments from not only our customers, but people who are visiting the area to say how much they’ve enjoyed our window displays. My thanks go to Pauline Scott and Nigel Fairbrother who are the team behind our stunning window displays, for their design flair and creativity. It is wonderful that their skill and dedication have been recognized by both the Retail Skillshop and Bournemouth Chamber of Trade”
Finishing Touches of Westbourne, Daisy Bridal Collection of Boscombe, Bryant Furnishings of Winton, Barnaby’s Opticians in Charminster and Roberta’s in the Town Centre were all Highly Commended for their seasonal displays.
Photo shows: from left to right, David Scott, Nigel Hedges, President of Bournemouth Chamber, Pauline Scott, Tim Rathbone, Nigel Fairbrother and Mandy Payne |
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