BOSCOMBE’S high street has received another major boost with three new retailers opening in the centre of the town.

Lifestyle and Mobility, a trading name of The Scooter Club, is opening a large store in the Sovereign Centre, supermarket chain Malinka has moved into the vacant Bonmarche unit and, across Old Christchurch Road, the Plant Hustler eatery, previously named 'Dirty Vegans', is expanding into a new unit.

This comes a month after the former spa town received confirmation that it was to receive £22 million of government funding in a 'landmark deal' to completely refurbish the high street.

With the summer approaching and retailers poised to re-open, Boscombe is encouraging locals and visitors to support its high street businesses.

Peter Ruscoe, manager of the Sovereign Centre and a member of the Coastal BID’s board, said: “This is great news for Boscombe.

“Like everywhere else we have suffered from the lockdowns, but we are seeing lots of investment in the centre of town.

“These three new businesses will add new experiences and products that will attract more people.”

Lifestyle and Mobility is a company headquartered in Essex with outlets in four other locations, including Westbourne.

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It sells mobility vehicles – new and used – and offers a comprehensive service, helping those who require assistance find solutions to their difficulties.

Malinka is a supermarket selling an eclectic mix of goods with a focus on Eastern European produce.

Plant Hustler, which sells vegan, plant-based foods, is to open a ‘Butchers and Deli’ which will offer a variety of plant-based meats, cheeses and take-away foods such as sandwiches, subs and jacket potatoes.

As a result of a partnership between Bournemouth Coastal and the Towns Fund, the town centre has undergone a deep clean prior to non-essential shops reopening on Monday April 12.

Also, extra seating, planting and street art is to be installed along Old Christchurch Road.

Mr Ruscoe added: “The owners have seen what potential there is here and understand that in our pedestrianised high street and shopping centre we have good footfall and plenty of opportunities.

“I anticipate more businesses moving in as the retail side of the high street recalibrates and an improving economy provides confidence to entrepreneurs who are thinking of opening businesses.”