Poole Town Council pushing to retain part of former Civic Centre
Talks are ongoing to secure part of the former Poole Civic Centre for use by the town council
BCP Council has confirmed that they are in discussions with Poole Town Council to retain part of the Grade-II listed Poole Civic Centre, which has been empty since 2022 and ceased to function as a civic centre following the formation of BCP Council in 2019.
The local authority voted in favour of selling the building to MCR Property Group for an expected £5.25 million.
It has previously been reported that the sale is expected to deliver annual savings of £228,000. A document from October 2025 set the proposed rent for the retained section at £451,435 per year.
Councillor Mike Cox, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We recognise the local connection some people have with the former Poole Civic Centre and have always supported the prospect of retaining part of the building as part of any sale agreement.
“Ultimately we have a responsibility to make the best use of public money.
“Like councils across the country, we are facing significant financial pressures from years of reduced government funding including the latest £15m cut in funding from the current government, alongside a massive rise in demand for essential services, particularly for vulnerable children and adults.
“The sale of the Poole Civic Centre was democratically approved by councillors and will be vital in protecting frontline services that residents rely on every day, while also allowing us to invest in the things that matter to local communities, such as maintaining roads, fixing potholes and improving local facilities.
“Our conversations with the town council continue and we are awaiting further information from them.
“We will keep residents updated as these discussions develop and will share further information on the progress of the sale when we can.”
As part of the sale, talks are ongoing about leasing a ‘vertical slice’ of the building to Poole Town Council.
This section includes the council chamber, mayors’ parlour, and the Cattistock room.
The town council hopes to be able to retain the area for meetings and community events.