Following BCP Council’s bid to the government for £25 million of funding, Poole has been named as one of the first areas shortlisted.

Councillor Mark Howell, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration & Culture, said, “The council has submitted a strong bid. If it is successful, we will be able to transform Poole High Street into a vibrant and attractive visitor destination. This would be an important step in delivering a regenerated town centre.”

The bid includes a covered market and food hall as part of a mixed-use development offering business workspaces, a performance and arts space for community use, as well as up to 40 new homes. The new amenity would draw people southwards from the Dolphin Shopping Centre and northwards from the Quay area into the central part of the High Street, which currently has the highest vacancy rates.

Cllr Howell added, “The proposals we have developed seek to address the challenges the High Street faces but also breathe new life into Poole’s town centre. We want to make the most of the rich heritage of the area, existing attractions and the established Dolphin Shopping Centre by improving the experience of visitors walking between them. With Poole Museum, the historic Old Town and an enviable natural setting, Poole town centre has huge potential to move with the times and be an attraction in its own right.”

The government will reveal whether the council has been awarded funding in the autumn.