Local Updates: Greener Spaces, Community Decisions and Good News Across Poole

🔥 Poole Bus Station green redevelopment
– Underused tarmac near Seldown Car Park will become a garden with varied seating, play elements, new trees, and rain gardens to manage surface water.
– Additional features include sheltered seating, secure cycle parking pods, Beryl bikes, a new path linking the bus, car and coach stations, and safety-focused fencing and planting.
– Inside the station, there will be redecoration, improved flooring, lighting, signage, and seating, complementing existing electronic displays and CCTV.

💡 Vision work for Poole Town Centre
– Key organisations including Network Rail, L&G, RNLI, Dorset FA, and BCP Council have started workshops to create a shared vision for Poole Town Centre.
– The focus is a place-based delivery framework rather than a traditional masterplan, addressing major sites, opportunities, and challenges.

🚒 Hamworthy Fire Station closure proposal
– Hamworthy Fire Station is among eight Dorset and Wiltshire stations proposed for closure, with decisions being considered by the local fire authority.
– If approved for consultation on 10 February, a 13-week public consultation will follow, with a final decision expected by 30 June.
– The Fire Brigades Union strongly opposes the proposals, calling them disastrous.

🎭 Lighthouse Poole funding uplift
– Lighthouse Poole will retain its Arts Council England National Portfolio funding into 2026/27 with a 5% increase.
– This is part of a wider £1.5 billion government investment in more than 1,000 cultural venues and confirms Lighthouse as a major regional arts centre.

🎶 Local choirs fundraising for Forest Holme Hospice
– Five choirs led by Tim Dowland raised over £12,500 for Forest Holme Hospice after choosing it as their 2025 Charity of the Year.
– Funds came from performances, a reimagined Coldplay song release, raffles, and sales of handcrafted items, supporting hospice care and community connection through music.

🏙️ High Street Rental Auctions in Bournemouth
– Bournemouth town centre has been designated for High Street Rental Auctions under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 to bring long-term vacant shops back into use.
– The BCP Council Cabinet unanimously approved the designation on 17 December 2025, enabling new mechanisms to match landlords and businesses for empty units.

🌉 Twin Sails Bridge reopened to all traffic on February 2nd following completion of repairs and safety testing. Council awaiting confirmation on when old bridge will close for full refurbishment.

🏛️ Upton House consultation closing soon – BCP Council seeking resident input for long-term sustainable plan for Grade II* listed Georgian mansion. – Suggestions include health spa, historical tours, café, yoga classes, event venues, and business units – Shortlist of options will be presented for consultation in spring 2026

📊 Five million trips made to Poole town centre during winter period, with returning visitors more than doubling year on year. – Town centre vacancy rate at 8%, less than half the national average – Poole Museum attracted over 50,000 visitors in first 10 weeks after reopening – New jobs created through RNLI shipbuilding move, Loungers proposals, and Rockley Watersports contract

💰 BCP Council proposes 7.42% council tax increase for 2026/27 to protect key services including social care, waste collections, and housing. – Council faces £380m estimated SEND deficit by March 2028 – Increase includes 4.99% standard rise (with 2% social care precept) plus 2.43% to fund SEND deficit interest costs – Cabinet review scheduled for February 11th

🍕 Vesuvio restaurant transforming into Alum Beach Hut – plans submitted for refurbishment with new awnings and tiling. – Reimagined as relaxed restaurant, bar and coffee house – Menu to include seafood, grilled meats, pizzas, and extended drinks list

🏆 Sport Poole awards recognize local sporting achievements including Pete Jacobs for writing Poole Amateur Rowing Club history and Jo Satchell for netball contributions.

⚽ AFC Bournemouth submitted stadium expansion plans including new 7,000-seater South Stand, corner infills, ticket office, and fan zone.

🎨 Poole Museum hosting rare Lucian Freud etchings exhibition from February 14th to June 21st, 2026. – Features trial proofs collected by master printer Marc Balakjian – Free admission with special events including talk and art workshops

📅 New BH Culture Calendar launched – manually curated online guide to arts and cultural events across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole