Shoppers and visitors at Beale Place are set to enjoy a more vibrant and welcoming experience as work gets underway to revitalise the area.

Work starts next week (Monday 28 January) to replace the current street layout with new landscaping and paving, modern seating and planting, as well as public art celebrating Bournemouth’s literary history.

Councillor John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Council, said; “These improvements will completely revitalise this key town centre location making it a new place for people to enjoy, and for events to take place.  Council Officers are working closely with local businesses to ensure access to shops, cafes and properties is maintained.

“I am looking forward to seeing the difference these works will make for everybody using this busy part of Bournemouth.”

The developments are being supported by business leaders in the town.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said; “It’s great news that this much talked about development is commencing, connecting the upper and lower parts of Old Christchurch Road. The resulting space will be a great place for visitors and shoppers to enjoy and be an added attraction for events and performances. It will also give the surrounding shops an opportunity to take advantage of the increased dwell time.”

Tony Brown, Chief Executive at Beales plc, said; “The long-awaited development of Beale Place will add a new dimension to Old Christchurch Road and bring new life through events, as well as linking Horseshoe Common to the town.”

Bournemouth Council has appointed Mildren Construction Ltd to undertake the work which will be done in phases to enable Beale Place to remain open.  Works are expected to take five months and access to shops, cafes, banks and other properties will be maintained throughout.

For further information please visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/bealeplace