Tom Hayes MP: 'Bournemouth has every reason to be ambitious'

I want to start by thanking the two Joes and Rocky from St Peter’s, who gave up weekends to clean graffiti from a Boscombe underpass.

I wanted to thank them for inviting me along via Instagram to help make our town better.

Beaufort Community Centre will reopen on 14 September!

Tom Hayes MP with the two Joes and Rocky from St Peter’s, who gave up weekends to clean graffiti from a Boscombe underpass (Image: Tom Hayes MP)

Now we can tackle the next steps: what centre do we want, how do we open the whole building, and how can the community permanently control it?

Strong foundations matter.

We need a centre that covers its running costs, so it never shuts its doors again.

Working with residents, groups, Littledown and Iford Labour Councillor Patrick Connolly, and Southbourne champion Simon Adorian, we're figuring out solutions.

A busy centre at the heart of the community is a sustainable centre.

By 2027, I want to see the whole building in use, under long-term community control.

To shape that future, I launched a survey and the feedback has been phenomenal.

I’m also working alongside community groups interested in running the centre.

Gary from Exton Road wants "an inviting community hub with facilities for all ages" while Gemma from Arnewood Road speaks for many when she calls for "a safe, inclusive, engaging place" for families.

Indeed, people repeatedly highlight the need for childcare and family services.

Sarah from Burleigh Road stresses the importance of affordable holiday clubs and after-school offers, while Lisa from Stamford Road highlights the value of childcare and community events.

Young people are a major theme.

Gian from Wheaton Road calls for "a big initiative on youth clubs", and Collette from Rushmere Road wants more opportunities for local teenagers.

Residents speak passionately about tackling loneliness.

Bill from Maclaren Road wants a place where people of all ages can "drop in" for a coffee and chat, while Fiona from Rosebery Road says a café where friends and neighbours can connect.

Exercise classes, sports, dance, arts, and activities for older residents, are popular ideas, alongside events, markets, and flexible workspace.

I want to pay tribute to Cat McMillan, a superb council officer who did more than anyone to reopen the centre.

Sadly, Cat recently died unexpectedly following a short illness.

I have raised Beaufort's importance in Parliament and will keep working behind the scenes on solutions.

But we're not stopping here.

I’ll keep fighting for Charminster Library, Kings Park Nursery, and Swanmore Gardens Pavilion.