THE installation of upgraded cycle and foot paths through Kings Park is set to get underway, thanks to a government grant.

Starting in late July, the work will be funded through cash from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) and will form part of an 8km ‘sustainable travel route’ between Bournemouth railway station and Jumpers Common in Christchurch.

Councillor Mike Greene, transport portfolio holder for BCP Council, said: “Kings Park is an important location connecting Christchurch and Bournemouth.  These planned improvements will really open up sustainable travel as a viable, attractive, healthy and safe way to commute between these areas.  

It’s all part of our vision to transform the way people get around locally without having to rely on the car, particularly for short journeys.”

The plans will connect residential and employment areas including Bournemouth town centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, the Law Courts, JP Morgan, Wessex Fields and the Littledown Centre.

In March 2020, Dorset and BCP Council were awarded £79 million by the government under the TCF scheme.

The work will be carried out in three phases:

Phase one (end of July to early September 2021) - Harewood Avenue. Includes:

  • Installation of a new, raised toucan crossing on Harewood Avenue.
  • Extension of the 20mph zone covering all arms of the roundabout onto Harewood Avenue, Littledown Avenue and Harewood Crescent.

Phase two (September 2021 to spring 2022) - Ashley Road to Harewood Avenue. Includes:

  • A new, separate cycle path will be installed next to the existing footpath between the Vitality Stadium and Harewood Avenue.
  • A new informal raised crossing will be installed over King’s Park Drive between the car park at AFCB Vitality Stadium and Kings Park Bowling Green to slow traffic and provide a safer area for pedestrians to cross.
  • Installation of new lighting and signs.
  • Disabled parking spaces will be relocated from the eastern side of Kings Park café closer to the Ashley Road entrance.

Phase three (estimated spring 2022 to autumn 2022) - Harewood Avenue to Sevenoaks Drive. Includes:

  • Improvements to the existing shared use cycle and walking path between Kings Park and Cowell Drive, including widening and vegetation clearance.
  • Other existing cycle and walking paths on the eastern side of Kings Park will be widened and resurfaced.

The plans were informed by responses gathered during public engagement in late 2020 and formal consultation earlier this year. 67 per cent of respondents agreed with the proposed changes, the authority said.