POOLE railway station could be moved as part of an “ambitious” project aimed at improving the town centre.
Millions of pounds are set to be allocated by BCP Council's cabinet with approval for plans to be drawn-up expected to be given at Friday’s meeting of its cabinet.
Poole People councillor Mark Howell, the portfolio holder for regeneration, described the scheme as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“For Poole to continue to attract footfall and external investment we must resolve the severance issues associated with Poole level crossing," he said.
“The poor quality of Poole railway station and connections between the bus and train stations and the High Street are holding the area back, and these issues need to be addressed in the regeneration programme."
A report published ahead of the meeting proposes moving the station to the east of High Street to allow the level crossing to be closed.
It says this could be part of a “modern, high quality travel interchange” and increase the frequency of trains through the town.
Poole is in line to be allocated a share of the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund and which is set to be put towards any project.
The £1.2 million announced earlier this year for the heritage action zone scheme will also be used.
And a further £1 million will be reallocated from the budget for the recent Heart of Poole project which will be merged into wider plans for the town centre.
The report says this money would be used to "create a vision and masterplan" for the wider regeneration of the town centre.
Cllr Howell added: “We want Poole town centre to be a place where people can live and work in a healthy and vibrant environment, and where businesses can thrive sustainably.
“A holistic approach will help to develop civic pride amongst existing town centre residents and give investors and new residents confidence in the future of the area.”
“We are working closely with Network Rail to determine whether relocating Poole railway station to the east of the existing level crossing is technically feasible and offers value for money.”
Network Rail has said it would give “serious consideration” to part-funding any project which would enable the level crossing to be closed.
At its meeting on Friday, the cabinet will also be asked to give its backing to a new "compulsory purchase order strategy" to be used "should the need arise".
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