BCP Council has outlined plans to “revitalise” select high streets and district centres across the conurbation – with three pilot projects launched.
As part of the authority’s High Street and District Centre Strategy, plans have been put in place for Kinson, Highcliffe and Broadstone to benefit from an agreed list of projects to “help support the vitality and viability of the local high street”.
Having received £102,000 of funding from the government, the council intends to help the three districts by creating “culturally rich destinations” for experiences and events, futureproofing them as ‘Smart Places’, ensuring they become “cleaner, greener and safer for everyone” and marketing and promoting them to “showcase their full potential”.
A ‘smart place’ is an initiative to develop technological solutions for mobility and the environment.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, deputy leader of BCP Council, said: “Across the country, high streets and district centres are changing rapidly and we need to move with the times. For some areas, especially our district high streets, this change has been extremely positive, with more people using their local centres than ever before.
“These pilots will help us understand what is needed to enable this reimagining, led by businesses and the community, unlocking a wide variety of uses while catering to a diverse audience as they become fit for the future, creating enjoyable locations for everyone.”
Planned activities range from festivals to local maps and heritage trails as well as improvements to the streetscene and enhanced public art.
Councillor Nigel Brooks, lead member for high street renaissance, added: “I am delighted that a list of activities have been identified that will enhance these three pilot areas. They are the blueprint for how we roll out this strategy wider so it’s important that we get them right and produce high quality, engaging projects for everyone to get involved with.
“This pilot is paramount in creating enhanced areas for everyone.”
Future funding for other high streets and district centres will be reviewed and investigated on completion of these pilot projects later this year.
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