Case study

£19.9 million to restore and improve seafront facilities in Bournemouth and Poole (Levelling Up Fund 2)

Almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will be invested in the Bournemouth seafront.

Restoring Bournemouth Pier 

Bournemouth Pier is key tourist attraction and has become an important feature in the local community since it was first built in the 1800’s. However, without significant investment, the Pier’s structure was at risk of closure. Levelling Up funding will extend the life of its concrete pillars and timber landings, ensuring that it remains in use for many more years to come.  

Investing in Bournemouth’s seaside 

Levelling Up funding will also support a variety of works to decaying and derelict facilities across West Cliff, Boscombe and Hamworthy, including: 

  • restoring the bridge and pathway at Upton Country Park to improve cycle and walking routes from Poole town centre
  • restoring the Hamworthy Seawall 
  • developing a heritage trail featuring public art that links key coastal sites between Upton Country Park and Highcliffe Castle 
  • upgrading two miles of the promenade with new public seating, bins, access improvements and new facilities for cyclists 
  • installing power, water services and 5G at 9 sites between Boscombe and the West Cliff 
  • an upgraded training and educational lifeguarding facility on the seafront 
  • regenerating a brownfield site at the East Cliff lift site to open up land for future development and restore an accessible route to the beach 
  • upgrades and repairs to the Seafront beach huts  

This investment will help attract new visitors, reduce overcrowding around Bournemouth Pier and provide support for areas that need it. 

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: 

The Levelling-Up Fund (LUF) will support us in our ambitions to unlock the region’s full potential and encourage investment in the future. 

The LUF is investing £19.98 million in 11 valuable infrastructure projects across BCP’s seafront, helping to further develop our area and maintain its status as an outstanding seaside resort. This will help create of jobs and will attract new business and investment through restoring and developing derelict sites.

Find out more about the plans for the Seafront 

Find out more about Levelling Up

Published 19 February 2024