FOOTBALL legend and king of the jungle Harry Redknapp has opened a new Travis Perkins branch in Bournemouth. 

The former Bournemouth manager made a special visit to cut the ribbon at the relocated branch in Ashley Road, Springbourne. 

Built over 2.63 acres, the new facility offers tools, plant and specialist equipment to hire. 

As part of the firm's commitment to cutting carbon emissions, the site will include electric forklift trucks, charging points and solar panels.

The innovations will 'help to deliver on its ambition of decarbonising and generating net-zero carbon by 2035'.

Harry, 76, said: “I have fond memories of transfer deadline day, so when Travis Perkins asked me to open their newly transferred branch I jumped at the chance to visit and share my advice with their team. 

Bournemouth Echo:

“They have a cracking set-up and I’ve no doubt that the new branch will become an integral part of the local community, providing all the advice, as well as building materials and equipment builders and contractors could need.”  

Branch manager Ash Moulton added: “It was amazing to have a football legend like Harry Redknapp come down to meet our customers and the 22-strong team of colleagues who are serving them from this branch. 

“We’re really excited to be opening our doors to the tradespeople and builders of Bournemouth.

“The branch will have everything they need, when and where they need it, and will deliver value, convenience and consistency in a more sustainable branch, with a fantastic delivery and collection service that saves our customers time and money.

"The branch is a huge investment for the local area and is purpose-built with an extensive product range to support our customers with choice, quality, and brilliant service day-in, day-out. We’re looking forward to welcoming and supporting all of our customers and to continue doing what matters for the trade."

The former coal yard, which had been derelict for some 25 years, was transformed thanks to a £9m investment.

An outline planning application was lodged in 2018 to redevelop it into dozens of homes, however, this permission elapsed.