Bournemouth | Posted on March 24th, 2026 | return to news

Millions to be spent in West Howe and Pokesdown

The UK government has allocated over £22 million to the area, to provide new lifts at Pokesdown Station and improvements in West Howe.

Areas in West Howe and Pokesdown are to receive millions of pounds of investment.

The UK government announced in March that it would be filling a funding gap of more than £2.5 million to install new lifts and step-free access at Pokesdown Train Station.

The work is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be completed in 2027.

In 2022, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council had agreed to fund the project but reversed that decision in February 2026.

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: 

“We welcome this funding, which is good news for rail passengers travelling to and from Pokesdown station. It’s a clear sign [that the] government is taking responsibility and listening to the council, local residents, and MPs. 

“This announcement shows we made the right decision at the right time. We have saved BCP Council taxpayers the burden of the £10 million it would have cost us to borrow to fund the scheme. 

“We have been absolutely clear that the costs to improve Pokesdown Train Station should not be pushed onto local council taxpayers when the site belongs to National Rail. Rail infrastructure is a national responsibility, and [the] government must fund.”

Meanwhile, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, Jessica Toale, has secured £20 million in long-term funding for the area of West Howe.

As part of the government’s Pride in Place programmer, £2 million will be invested each year for the next 10 years. The funding will be dedicated to enhancing local facilities, supporting community organisations, creating jobs, and helping make West Howe’s streets safer, cleaner, and more vibrant.

Toale said: “When I was elected, I promised to stand-up for our community and fight for the resources we need. I have pressed ministers at every stage, argued our case in Parliament, and worked closely with my Labour colleagues. Today, I’m proud to say that we have delivered.

“While securing the funding is a significant step forward, the next phase is even more important: deciding how the money should be spent. The goal is to ensure that every pound goes toward the priorities that matter most to local people, whether that means improved youth facilities, better parks and green spaces, or cleaner and safer streets.”

To help make these decisions, Toale is asking residents to submit their feedback and requests via an online survey: https://www.jessicatoale.com/pride-in-place-survey.