Bournemouth, Business | Posted on October 3rd, 2025 | return to news

BCP Council says businesses are returning to Bournemouth

June, July, and August saw more than 10 million trips to the town centre and new businesses have opened.

Bournemouth has attracted a huge amount of criticism over the past few years, but could the town be turning the corner?

Businesses have reported a successful summer after people made more than 10 million trips to the town centre across June, July, and August.

This summer, the number of returning visitors to the town has more than doubled with events such as Pride, Summer Streets and Proms in the Park.

Floorspace and shop units have been brought back into life and, in recent months, businesses such as Barbara’s Bier Haus, The Botanist, Wenzel’s and Sport It First have opened their doors in the town centre. 

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said: “When you step back from the headlines, the reality is that businesses and visitors have confidence in our town centre: we know this because businesses are investing in Bournemouth, and more and more people are returning on a regular basis. 

“It has been fantastic to see so many people visit Bournemouth this summer; whether that’s for a trip to one of our nine Blue Flag beaches, a meal at our vibrant restaurants, visiting the shops, or simply to catch up with friends and family. 

“We do not shy away from the challenges we, and many other coastal towns, face but we’ve got plans in place and are seeing that positive progress materialise.” 

Local independent traders are also opening their doors – with Revival, Live On, and Blink welcoming their first customers earlier this year. 

BCP Council is one of the first local authorities to trial a new High Street Rental Auction Scheme with work underway on its implementation; the additional powers would make it easier to bring long-term empty units into fruitful ownership. 

Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer of the Town Centre BID, said: “It was great to see the town centre benefiting from the increased number of visitors driven by the fantastic weather and the events that made a real difference to the town.  

“It’s vital that everyone works together to support businesses in these challenging times, especially as we start the run up to the vitally important Christmas period.” 

Independently measured statistics show crime in Bournemouth is down year-on-year and, as a county, Dorset remains in the top 10 safest places to live.