Public consultation on masterplan for Harbourside Park

Residents are being encouraged to share their views on the future of Harbourside Park (encompassing Baiter Park and Whitecliff Recreation Ground) to help BCP Council “shape this much-loved green space”.

A masterplan for the park, which stretches from Fisherman’s Dock at the east end of Poole Quay to Turks Lane off Sandbanks Road, is currently being produced by local planning company ECA on behalf of the council.

It is hoped the plan will provide a clear vision for shaping the park for the next ten years as well as better connecting Baiter and Whitecliff.

The aim of the masterplan is to:

• Set out vision and spatial framework for regeneration of Harbourside Park
• Address the current buildings and provide options for modernised facilities
• Provide recommendations for the location, type, scale and design of new visitor offers, incorporating improved catering and sports facilities with accessible public toilets
• Provide recommendations for development of the open space’s landscape

Harbourside Park in Poole (Image: BCP Council)

Councillor Mark Anderson, council member for environment and place, said: “It’s important that local residents get involved when we do run these consultations in order to let us know how they’d like these green spaces to evolve.

“Perhaps residents would like to see new or improved features such as a play trail in Harbourside Park, or picnic facilities and enhanced access to the water, or even a dog exercise area and more catering options? Whatever their vision, we’d love to hear from them, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation to help shape this much-loved green space.”

The first engagement event takes place on Thursday September 8 at Baiter Kiosk from 5-8pm, and the second on Saturday September 10 at Whitecliff Pavilion from 8.30-11.30am.

An online consultation is open until Monday October 3. Visit haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/harbourside for more information.