THE £4million “transformation” works designed to enhance the Lansdowne area are “beginning to take shape”, with Holdenhurst Road set to reopen this week.

The road closed in March between the Lansdowne Roundabout and Station Road Roundabout.

It was to allow the council to begin its “long-term transformational vision for the area”.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “Work in Lansdowne is progressing well in line with our expectations.

“It is fantastic to see the exciting plans for the £4m investment, to revitalise this key part of the conurbation, beginning to take shape. The road will reopen as planned by July 24.

“These first phases of the Lansdowne programme will deliver an enhanced public realm for visitors, residents and businesses to enjoy over the summer.”

The first phase of the works including the building of a new events space, segregated cycleway and arts installation.

The new outdoor event space will be situated outside the Old Fire Station and will be columned art installations.

About the artwork, called “Chine Forest”, councillor Philip Broadhead, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “We already have a dynamic and unique community in this area, and this new public square will help in encouraging people back into local businesses and becoming a springboard for future investments.

“This is just the first phase for delivering our transformational vision for Lansdowne, quite literally watch this space.”

Planning permission was granted for the columns in May this year and will be made up of 26 pillars.

A statement submitted by the council in the application said: “The columns will form a kind of forest of miniature sounds coming from multiple small speakers positioned at varying heights, that entice and engage visitors.

“The different scenes might be inspired by ecosystems and natural phenomena from the area, for example the dawn chorus of local birds, hydrophone recordings of local fish and crustaceans or the phasing patterns of shipping beacons.

“These kinds of sound - by virtue of being alien to the immediate environment - pique visitors’ attention and draw them in.”