MAJOR plans to refurbish Bournemouth Pier, stabilize the East Cliff and create a new lifeguard training center have been unveiled following an £18m Government cash injection to transform the seafront.
A total of £18.2 million in match funding has been awarded to BCP Council for a number of projects along the Bournemouth and Poole seafront.
The council said the money would allow the ball at East Cliff to reopen with a long-term vision to restore a new rock lift.
Read more: East Cliff Lift: Will the cliff-side lift ever be rebuilt?
Much-needed repairs to Bournemouth Pier will also “extend its life and create new opportunities for its further development”.
Meanwhile, the existing Joseph Steps building will also be refurbished and expanded into a new RNLI lifeguard training and education center as well as a community hub.
Other plans presented include repairs to the wall at Hamworthy Park, which will secure the future of the promenade, and improvements between Bournemouth West Cliff and Boscombe Pier, which include more electricity and water services, as well as 5G infrastructure.
Work on the proposals is expected to begin later this year and be delivered over the next three years.
Councilor Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and portfolio holder for development, growth and regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news for our whole borough. Securing this money has been an incredible team effort and I would especially like to thank Conor Burns MP who has been instrumental in promoting these plans to the Government.”
He added: “This money will help improve coastal infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of current and future generations.
Read more: ‘Refurbish Bournemouth Pier – or we fear we’ll lose it forever’
“We will also see the creation of more jobs for local people, attracting new visitors to the south and encouraging everyone to explore the rich coastal heritage and village beaches beyond Bournemouth, attracting further investment along the award-winning coastline.”
Read more: Council’s seafront restaurant ‘lost’ £176,000 in just four weeks
Councilor Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places, said: “I am really pleased that we have received this funding for the coast.
“It fits in with our coastal strategy and will be spent on projects that will have a significant impact on our coastal development, such as the rejuvenation of Bournemouth Pier, which is in need of infrastructure repair, and the stabilization of East Cliff, which will give us allowed us to attract funding and investment opportunities for a new rock lift in the future.”
Councilor Toby Johnson, lead member for upscaling and skills, said: “This funding award is great news for the development of the coast both economically and as a holiday destination.”
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