Community-led cultural activities are set to take place on Poole high street over the next three years.

BCP Council has received a grant of £80,000 from Historic England as part of the Poole High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).

The programme will focus on sharing the stories of Poole and the trade links with Newfoundland, Canada. These links were an important part of Poole’s maritime heritage that helped shape the High Street. The three-year programme will explore the heritage and history of Poole High Street with local communities having opportunities to share stories and celebrate what makes Poole the vibrant town it is today.

A variety of exciting events and installations are being planned including the creation of a community suite of music, a public art project, production of a community play and an audio trail. All this will be made possible by the energetic collaboration of the cultural consortium partners, Lighthouse, Poole Museum and Soundstorm Music Education Agency working together with CoCreate, Arts2Educate, and Angel Exit Theatre.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive, Historic England, said: “The high street Cultural Programme is a step change in the way we think about bringing high streets back from the brink. As we start to see these important historic spaces become regenerated through building work, it is the community-led cultural work that helps people to enjoy their high street again and also have a say in what the future of their high street might be.”

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, BCP Council portfolio holder for culture said: “The Cultural Programme aims to make our high streets more attractive and engaging places for people to live, work and spend time. We’re delighted that Poole has been awarded this funding. The impact of this scheme will provide benefits to enliven the town, for residents and visitors that will last beyond the timespan of the project.”

Poole is also benefiting from a cultural commission. Artist Freya Gabie will be working with local people on All Fired Up! – a ceramics based project. Her artist residency in Poole will run from 6-17 September, with ceramics workshops exploring the town’s deep connection to the ceramics industry. Gabie will create a work which will respond to the stories she gathers. Each workshop participant will also make a ceramic artwork to go on display.