WORK to regenerate the centre of Boscombe could be in line for a financial boost.

Members of Bournemouth council’s cabinet are being recommended to back plans to submit an ‘expression of interest’ for a share of a £675 million government fund aimed at transforming town centres.

A report says work to revitalise the retail centre of Boscombe is “urgently required”, prompting the council to seek funding to support improvements in the area.

On Wednesday councillors will be asked to approve plans to formally lodge an interest in seeking a share of the government’s future high street fund.

Announced at the end of last year, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government set aside £675 million to support “bold new visions” for town centres.

Members of Bournemouth council’s cabinet are set to consider submitting an expression of interest outlining its desire to apply for a share of the funding for schemes in Boscombe, which it admits “is an area that needs intervention”.

A report by the council’s head of communities, Kelly Ansell, says major investment in Boscombe’s retail centre is “urgently required” to continue work to regenerate the area.

“This [regeneration work] has focused on addressing the underlying socio-economic problems of the area,” she says.

“There has not been any major investment in the town centre or retail and this is now urgently required in order to coordinate an effective, cohesive masterplan.

“The Boscombe Regeneration Partnership believes that the future high street fund perfectly aligns with the ambitions for Boscombe and the timing is critical in relation to the ongoing discussions taking place with partners.”

She adds the decision to bid for Boscombe is due to the high number of empty shop units; the age and quality of retail facilities; the need for physical improvements to its public areas; and its high level of deprivation.

Her report recommends that councillors approve plans to submit an expression of interest to the government and work to develop a plan for Boscombe should the council be asked to submit a bid for funding.

It will be considered at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.