THE Grade II listed Royal Arcade in Boscombe could be bought by BCP Council, the local authority’s deputy leader has confirmed.

Councillor Philip Broadhead said acquiring the prominent site in the middle of the shopping area would make it “much easier” to deliver the “full potential” of the space.

He said no agreements are currently in place but it is the council's "strong aspiration to purchase the site".

Despite not owning the arcade, last month BCP Council secured permission from its own planning department for listed building consent to assess the condition of the building.

An overhaul of the Royal Arcade was a big part of the council’s Boscombe regeneration proposals when applying for £25million of government funding.

Earlier this year the local authority was only allocated £21.7million.

Council, business and other authority leaders are in the process of completing a business case to secure the money, which is due to be submitted next year.

It is expected to include the replacement of the Sovereign shopping centre, hundreds of new homes and the creation of a new public events space.

In relation to the Royal Arcade, the towns fund team has said it could become a “cultural, events and shopping hub on the ground floor for independent businesses and office and learning on the upper floors”.

Discussing plans to buy the site, Cllr Broadhead, who is also portfolio holder for regeneration, economy and strategic planning, said: “It has always been part of our business plan.

“The protection and refurbishment of the Royal Arcade and unleashing its full potential.”

He added: “It’s much easier for us to put all that into action if we own it.”

The ambitions to acquire the Royal Arcade come as the Bournemouth Towns Fund board presses ahead with work on developing its full business case for how the £21.7million funding will be spent.

This needs to be approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cllr Broadhead said work on the business case was “progressing well”.

“What I am especially focussed on is not just taking £21million from government but using this fantastic investment as a platform for a much bigger Boscombe regeneration,” he said.

Last month, the council’s towns fund applied for permission to temporarily change the use of the former Café Nero into an engagement office until March 2026.

If approved, it will also be used as a community meeting place, learning centre and provide advice to the general public and potential investors.

The application is currently being considered by the local authority’s planning team.

Residents have until November 12 to submit their submissions in favour and against the proposal.