Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole | Posted on October 20th, 2025 | return to news

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to see £750 million investment

The investment comes from BCP Council, JPMorganChase, Bournemouth Airport and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.

Residents of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area can look forward to improved healthcare and transport links, plus more green space.

More than £750m is being invested across the conurbation, with BCP Council putting £24m into strategic spending priorities. The investment, raised through planning charges paid by developers, will help provide an expanded education provision in Bearwood and Merley and support the delivery of new homes in Poole town centre through the Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill flood defence scheme.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “These investments are a real boost for our communities — creating jobs, improving education, and opening up new opportunities for people to thrive and develop. 

“It’s clear that businesses have confidence in the long-term future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and this level of funding reflects that.

“It is fantastic that so many organisations are backing our ambition to drive progress forwards — helping shape modern, sustainable communities where people and businesses can thrive for years to come.”

The US bank JPMorganChase is investing up to £350m in its strategic hub at Bournemouth, committing their long-term future to the town nearly 40 years since first moving here.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO, said: “Bournemouth has long demonstrated that there is strong financial services and technology talent outside of London, and we’re proud to be the largest private employer there. Wherever we operate, we believe in making a positive impact and this long-term investment in a world-class workplace and in local skills development is something the community will truly benefit from.”

Bournemouth Airport, meanwhile, is undergoing major enhancements as part of significant continued investment. Plans have been approved for an extended, modernised terminal, as well as a new regular bus service connecting the airport to the local area. The ongoing commitment to the region is expected to directly create at least 230 jobs.

Steve Gill, managing director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “It’s an exciting time for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with major investment flowing into the area and a sense of real confidence in its future. 

“At Bournemouth Airport, we’re proud to be part of that story, with our own major investment programme underway to enhance our facilities and support continued growth. 

“We share the ambition to create more quality jobs, boost our economy and build long-term prosperity in our region.”

Poole Museum will re-open in the coming weeks after a multi-million-pound boost to develop the site into a major cultural venue of local, regional and national significance. Investment has come from national funds including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Arts Council England, the UK government, and philanthropic trusts and foundations locally and nationally.

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, at BCP Council said: “Poole Museum’s transformation has been truly remarkable, and its re-opening marks a bold new chapter in the town’s cultural story.

“The revitalised spaces will secure the museum’s position as a leading venue for cultural, art, and heritage in the BCP area and beyond; ensuring visitors can discover more about our fantastic history long into the future.”

This year, more than £10m has been allocated to improve roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; £1.2m will help the council proactively prevent potholes across key routes with a multi-million-pound pot set aside for additional road resurfacing.

The council’s greenspace team is putting play areas back at the heart of communities — with a £3.9m pot set to bring life back to around 120 play areas throughout the BCP area to ensure future generations have access to vital building blocks for development.

Work continues to deliver sustainable and affordable housing for local communities with the 110-home development at Hillbourne, near Poole, on-track for completion next year. The multi-million development is expected to provide a £24m boost to social value — by providing new jobs, supporting local apprenticeships and work placements, and sourcing materials from local suppliers.

Other major investments include £200m from Bournemouth Water into their water treatment works at Alderney and Knapp Mill — providing crucial upgrades to future-proof a reliable supply of water for households across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; and the RNLI plans on moving all its ship-building to Poole from 2027 onwards.

Big high street names have opened their doors across BCP this year, with The Botanist having their most successful launch of all time; whilst Marks and Spencer have signalled their intent to open a flagship store in Branksome.

Further investment comes from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust who have injected £91m into a new building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.