ATTEMPTS to strengthen and improve Bournemouth town centre have been launched in the form of new business quarters.

The areas have been created to help fight retail challenges, ensure future success of local businesses and improve each individual area.

Set up Bournemouth Town Centre BID, each quarter promotes their own unique character and appeal.

Through regular meetings, the quarter groups provide an opportunity for businesses to feedback ideas and priorities that support growth and improve trading.

It is hoped this will give businesses a chance to play an active role in projects and events in their specific area.

Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer at Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “The new business quarters are an important step towards ensuring the future vitality of the Bournemouth town centre business community.

“By bringing business owners and managers from each individual area together, we are pleased to be giving them a voice in directing new projects which will support their collective growth.’’

The quarters are:

  • The Lansdowne Quarter, headed by the driving force of the Metropole Market, Lyn Turnbull from Mexigo Burrito Bar and Mark Cater from Bournemouth Pizza.

  • The Triangle Quarter, headed by Helen Cookson from Organix.

  • Westover Road has a new quarter group headed by Ally Tanswell from Westover Gallery.

  • Upper Old Christchurch Road has a well-established group, which successfully submitted its first funding for an event this autumn, led by Rod Cake from Sharkeys Sports Bar.

  • A brand new group is in the process of forming for Post Office Road, headed by Vasek Gryga from Patisserie Valerie.

Lyn Turnbull, from Lansdowne Business Quarter, said: “This is an excellent new initiative that will help to highlight the unique collection of businesses in each area of the town centre.

“It’s also an excellent platform for us to communicate with other businesses and let the BID know exactly what we need.’’

Nigel Hedges, Bournemouth Council’s business champion and non-voting BID board member. said: “This was driven by the BID board members who operated in those areas.

“They are taking ownership of their particular area and championing it.

“The thinking of the BID board is really coming together.”

To get in touch with one of the groups local group, or anyone wishing be involved in setting one up, should contact info@towncentrebid.co.uk. To find out more about the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, visit www.towncentrebid.co.uk.