The Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole area is set to become a ‘world class city region’.

BCP Council leader Drew Mellor and portfolio holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning Cllr Philip Broadhead set out the vision on Zoom at a Bournemouth Chamber event.

The plan is to attract more tech firms with one of the best 5G networks nationwide and to restore a sense of pride – including in town centres – while making the economy the council’s number one priority.

The latest Business Leaders event was attended by nearly 50 owners, directors and senior managers.

Issued raised including the speed and priorities of the planning system, the high street, sustainability, arts and culture, the pace of regeneration, international trade, Covid-19 and revitalisation of town centres.

Cllr Mellor said, “We have a vision of being a city region, and one that is world class. We have all of the ingredients here, and now is the right time to do it.”

Cllr Broadhead, who is deputy leader as well as a portfolio holder, said the council was working on ‘bounceback’ plans for 2021 and on a strategy for town centres.

He said, “This is an opportunity to look at what we want the high street of the future to look like and how we can achieve this.”

Business leaders took part in three polls which showed most were positive about their future prospects, that turnover would improve in the next three months and that their workforce numbers would increase.

Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber, said, “Our latest Business Leaders Forum was very encouraging.

“Business leaders raised some key issues, most notably around town centres and the speed of the planning process, during a very constructive and positive discussion.”