WORK to create a new learning hub at Boscombe can now forge ahead, after £1million early funding was secured.

BCP Council says it remains on track to be granted £25 million through the Government’s Towns Fund, and this latest £1m has been released as part of that overall programme.

If granted, the £25m will bankroll Town Deal funding for Boscombe,to help transform the area into a “new urban neighbourhood boasting a thriving hub of public squares, arts and culture, cafes, shops, homes and places to work”.

Councillor Mark Howell, acting leader and portfolio holder responsible for regeneration, BCP Council, said: “I am delighted our transformational plans for Boscombe have been recognised.

“We have been working closely with our local communities, business, education and private sector representatives to create an ambitious vision for Boscombe centre and neighbouring parts of Bournemouth so to receive this accelerated investment is recognition that the government has confidence in our place making plans.”

With the early release of £1m, plans to improve the facilities at Kings Park Bowling Club, which will become a combined activity and learning hub, are able to proceed.

The skills and learning offer already on site will be retained and enhanced, and the council will work with the existing landlord to take the plans forward.

There will be no change to the indoor bowling arrangements for 12-18 months, says BCP Council.

Cllr Howell said: “Now more than ever, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we need to demonstrate our collective vision for the area, and this is a rare opportunity to secure the major investment Bournemouth needs.

“The wider funding would help to create new jobs and be focused on regenerating the high street, delivering family housing, enhancing digital connectivity, developing skills and culture, and promoting community.”

Bournemouth is one of 101 towns across the UK on track to secure a new ‘Town Deal’ which could see a significant investment of around £25 million in each place.

A draft Town Investment Plan for Bournemouth is being drawn up to be submitted to the government at the end of October.

Under the plans the Sovereign Shopping Centre would be replaced by a mixed use neighbourhood of streets and high quality commercial units and homes, council officials have said.

BCP Council also says there will be a brand new purpose built public square with a programme of events.

Thursday this week will see councillors vote on the future leadership of BCP Council, with the Tories poised to potentially take control of the authority.

These buildings could boast mixed use commercial, retail, leisure and residential elements all working side by side.

A BCP Council spokesman said: “Preserving and enhancing the setting and use of unique heritage assets such as the Royal Arcade feature prominently in the plans with ambitions to bring the Royal Arcade back into use by seamlessly combining contemporary new work space, skills and learning as well as arts and culture in this historic yet under used building.

“Haviland Road between Palmerston Road (Lidl) and Haviland Road West could be restored as a street with generous pavements, cycle lanes, bus stops and tree planting all leading up to a new community hall and gardens where people can relax.

“Providing better infrastructure to encourage more active travel and improving the links between Boscombe town centre, the seafront, Pokesdown Train Station and AFC Bournemouth could also be funded through the investment.

“Overall around 560 new homes, 6,700sqm of retail and leisure floor space and 4,800 sqm of commercial, community and health floor space have been earmarked as part of the long term plans which aim to strengthen the local economy of Boscombe and revitalise the area as it builds for the future post Covid-19.”