AN ARTIST has been commissioned to design new public spaces at two beachside locations in Poole.

The project, led by Borough of Poole, will see Shore Road and Branksome Chine made “beautiful and fit for purpose”.

Portland-based artist, Amanda Moore, has been appointed to work as part of the project team to create a “greater sense of arrival and welcome” at the promenade areas and find creative solutions to operational issues such as waste collection.

The project is part of a £6.6 million seafront regeneration programme, including £1.2 million additional funding from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) through the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio.

Public spaces and facilities at Flaghead Chine and Canford Cliffs will also be improved as part of the scheme.

The project at Shore Road is currently at the feasibility and design phase. The plan is to create an attractive plaza that signifies Shore Road’s importance as the starting point of the promenade around Poole Bay.

The external appearance of existing buildings, such as the public toilets and the rangers station, will be improved.

In Branksome Chine, there will also be a new public plaza, which will enable the land train to bring visitors to the area, and new landscaping.

“I’m delighted to be working with the team on these iconic sites in

Poole,” Amanda said.

“I’ve loved visiting for years, and it’s a great opportunity to be a part of the future on

the town’s seafront.”

Cleo Evans, art and environment lead at the Arts Development Company, which worked in partnership with the council on the commission, said: “We are thrilled that Amanda will design Shore Road and Branksome Chine’s public spaces as part of this project.

“Her previous work is well renowned and of exceptionally high quality, so it’s exciting to have her as part of the team.”

The public will have an opportunity in the spring to have their say on draft designs for Shore Road and Branksome Chine’s new public spaces.

To find out more about this project and what else is happening on Poole’s seafront, visit seafront.pooleprojects.net, or to find out more about the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio visit dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk