The Lansdowne in Bournemouth could soon have a new outdoor event space.

BCP Council has plans for the area outside the Old Fire Station on Holdenhurst Road.

Currently subject to planning approval, this would include columned art installations which would provide lighting and sound for the area, alongside new outdoor street furniture. Detailed designs are being developed and have followed a cultural consultation with local residents held during this year’s Art by the Sea Festival.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration and Economy, said, “Our long-term plans for Lansdowne are now starting to come to fruition – and this is one of the first steps.

“The new, bold space around the Old Fire Station will invite people to stay in the area longer, meet friends and spend time with colleagues. We already have a dynamic and unique community in this area, and this new public square will help in encouraging people back into local businesses and becoming a springboard for future investments. This is just the first phase for delivering our transformational vision for Lansdowne.”

Works are scheduled to commence in early 2021 and will not require the closure of Holdenhurst Road. Some disruption however may be required to enable improvements to the public realm to be carried out.

The initial Lansdowne transformation delivery phase was approved in November 2020. Future works will include a new segregated cycle route, improvements to local bus routes and safer pedestrian crossing points.