A REGENERATION of the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) will enter its final stage later this year.
The third and final stage of a £1.8m investment into the entertainment venue will begin in August with the remodelling of the Purbeck foyer and toilets in the Purbeck lounge.
Upgrades to the internal and external digital signs were completed last summer while a remodel and refurb of the meeting hub and Bourne lounge was finished in September.
However, BCP Council has said the work was scheduled around the BIC’s busy calendar, which includes hosting conferences and graduation ceremonies, meaning there will be no disruption to services.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “The facility will remain open with some areas sectioned off for the refurbishment works.”
In addition, improved stage lighting has been completed, last summer saw the opening of the Elevate Brasserie and Bar, new landscaping, and improvements to the council-owned car park.
Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader, said: “This joint investment into the BIC will breathe fresh life into the facility, enabling it to hold its own in a nationally competitive market.
“We are proud of our successful partnership with BH Live and appreciate how they have risen to the challenge of implementing this upgrade whilst continuing to operate the venue.
“Whilst visiting the BIC for a conference in the autumn, it was excellent to see the progress that's been made and feedback from visitors has been really positive.
“I'm looking forward to seeing the final result once all phases have been completed.”
Despite being a BCP Council investment, operator and charity BH Live has also invested £660,000 into the regeneration.
BH Live’s associate director oF venues Steve Turner said: “Events hosted at Bournemouth International Centre generate millions of pounds for the local economy and support hundreds of local businesses and jobs.”
He added it is “vital” for the BIC to remain competitive to meet the demands of annual conferences, exhibitions and business events.
BCP Council has said the work is expected to be done by October 2024.
The BIC opened in 1985 and is owned by BCP Council but operated by BH Live.
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