New trading district for Wallisdown area revs up for action

As part of the government’s initiative to support the high street post-Covid, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce (BCTC) has been awarded a one-off grant to re-develop or launch trading districts within specific chosen areas in the town.

The Wallisdown area is one of the designated areas, and members of the trading commerce say the initiative will help to put Wallisdown “on the map”.

Chamber president Jacqui Rock said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to support businesses that are not currently part of the local BID campaigns, helping them create exciting synergy together and developing the area.

“We decided to start with Wallisdown, as it is a busy through route, and once we started delving into meeting businesses, there are some great dynamic young business owners with wonderful ideas who are keen to put Wallisdown on the map and get this off the ground.

“The official team to lead the Wallisdown Trading District is currently being finalised. However, we are thrilled to confirm Emily Dillon, founder and owner of the Venue Beauty Salon, Wallisdown branch, will take the role of chair with Kiera Lockett, owner of Lockett Fuel as vice chair.

“We urge businesses in Wallisdown to support this initiative and develop a community of like-minded businesses and professionals all based in the same geographical area.

“Without the area working together we simply cannot develop this, and it is such a fantastic opportunity to use this one-off funding to help Wallisdown thrive. Businesses have been keen to engage with us, now is the time to act and get involved.”

Chamber trade group liaison officer Wendy King said: “Meeting local businesses in Wallisdown and seeing how they are really keen to work together to improve the area and put Wallisdown back on the map is inspirational.

We have some very enthusiastic individuals to make this happen.”

Wendy King can be contacted for information at Wendy.King@bournemouthchamber.org.uk.