A NUMBER of trees have been placed in and around Beale Place by BCP Council.

The latest spruce up comes as work also starts at a former shoe shop fronting the town centre's latest open space.

Vacant store Jones Bootmakers, which has laid empty since last summer, could become the town's latest sushi restaurant.

Owners of the Korean and Japanese eatery, called Kokoro, have submitted an application to BCP Council to change the use of the empty store to a café.

Refurbishments have started with workmen on site.

The trees and their planters were put in place near the new seating from Thursday.

BCP Council cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration and culture, Cllr Mark Howell, said: "BCP Council’s investment into Beale Place has turned this area into a modern, vibrant space in a bustling part of Bournemouth town centre.

"Following completion it now provides a more attractive retail opportunity with a pedestrianised area for increased footfall in this area and I am looking forward to seeing this transformation complete with new businesses moving in and taking advantage of these benefits.”