Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Residents consulted on Poole Town Centre North

Poole residents are being asked what they think of six initial options for the regeneration of the area around the Dolphin Shopping Centre as part of the Town Centre North Area Action Plan. 

The options range from minimal intervention to the bus station, Kingland Road and existing access arrangements to proposals that demonstrate new routes between the Bus Station and the High Street. Other options include slightly more emphasis on new residential and leisure quarters. Each of the options meet the Action Plan's objectives of:

• improving the shopping 'offer' for Poole Town Centre \n
• providing an appropriate mix of new retail \n
• residential and leisure uses to improve the vitality of the area \n
• providing significant improvements to access and movement particularly between the Lighthouse/Bus Station area and the rest of the town centre \n
• providing quality buildings which are built with sustainable development. 

The public are being asked what they think are the positive and negative aspects of each option rather than to choose one option over another.

Councillor Ron Parker, Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said: "Recent retail growth projections and analysis of the town centre suggest that Poole can improve its role and appeal as a major town centre. Although it has a good mix of independent retailers and has a loyal customer base, quality retail stores including department stores are underrepresented. The plan will also seek to improve the area around the Dolphin Centre that is characterised by poor quality public spaces and poor connections to the rest of the town centre. By getting involved in the consultation, Poole people will ensure that their views are considered."

Bill Richardson, Senior Planning Officer, Strategic Planning Services, said: "The Area Action Plan will have a long term focus of around ten years. It will set a planning framework for the Kingland Road and Pitwines areas which includes the bus station, former NCP car Park and Sainsbury's store & car park. The Council intends that the development will raise Poole's shopping offer and bring improvements such as safer connections between the Lighthouse, bus station and High Street. I hope that as many as people as possible give their views."

The consultation period is from 20th April until 1st June. An event is to be held at the Lighthouse on 27th April to get community feedback on the options. Planners are also holding a series of walkabout tours in May for interested members of the public as well as an exhibition at the Dolphin Centre between 8th and 13th May. 

Following the consultation, the Council will review feedback and seek commercial assessments of each option to make sure they can be delivered. This will help to shape a short list of 2-3 'Preferred Options' for the Council to issue for formal public consultation in October / November 2006. 

Details of how to get involved can be obtained from Bill Richardson, Senior Planning Officer on 01202 633298, emailing b.richardson@poole.gov.uk. Information to comment on the options can also be found at boroughofpoole.com/opinions, public libraries or from Strategic Planning Services. 

Bill Richardson, Senior Planning Officer, Strategic Planning Services - Tel: 01202 633298