‘Believe in our towns’: £1bn investment drive aims to revive BCP high streets
Nearly £1 billion of investment to help revitalise town centres across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as confidence in the area returns
Nearly £1 billion of investment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is helping to improve town centres by creating jobs and growing businesses.
BCP Council leader Millie Earl said the conurbation’s strength lies in its communities, praising “residents, workers, volunteers, and business owners who pour their energy and pride” into local areas.
Her comments come as councils nationwide grapple with the changing retail landscape, with major chains retreating from town centres or collapsing altogether.
Cllr Earl said the local authority was responding by working closely with landlords, business groups and government partners to reshape high streets for the future.
BCP Council says strong visitor numbers are a sign of resilience, after more than five million trips were made to Poole town centre over the Christmas period alone, while Bournemouth welcomed 30 new businesses since the start of 2025.
“It’s no coincidence that millions of trips are made to our three town centres every single month,” she said. “It shows continued confidence in the positive progress being made.”
The council also reports that vacancy rates are beginning to fall, as efforts to bring empty units back into use gather pace.
New powers allowing the authority to implement High Street Rental Auctions mean long-term vacant properties can be repurposed for community or commercial use.
Cllr Earl said the initiative was already helping to restore activity to struggling retail areas.
“By working alongside landlords and partners, we are bringing shopfronts back into community use,” she said.
“We’ve got plans in place and we’re working to maintain that momentum throughout 2026 to make sure Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a place everyone feels proud to call home.”
There is currently more than £750million of investment going elsewhere, including the creation of 230 jobs at Bournemouth Airport, significant investment from JPMorgan, Bournemouth Water, and the RNLI.