Holdenhurst Road work: 'Chine Forest' will be installed

Holdenhurst Road reopened in October last year after months of roadworks to allow for a “transformation” of the area.

Work on the public realm in Holdenhurst Road started in March 2021 and includes a new event space in the heart of Lansdowne’s main business district, public art, new seating areas, a protected cycle lane, new infrastructure for buses and additional pedestrian crossings.

However, the art installation, a “Chine Forest” outside the Old Fire Station, was yet to be installed.

CGI of Chine Forest

Providing an update, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “I can confirm that new art installation on Holdenhurst Road will still be going in as planned as a finishing element of this initial transformation programme.

“The date for installing has not yet been agreed but will take place early this year.”

Read more: “Chine Forest” approved for Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth

The feature will be made up of 26 pillars which will light up and can play sound.

“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,” a statement submitted by the council said.

Read more: Plans to turn Sandbanks and Branksome Chine cafes and kiosks into Rockwater Village

“The different scenes might be inspired by ecosystems and natural phenomena from the area local to Bournemouth, 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.”