Key conclusions for Urban Dorset

Greater influence

Combining to become one new unitary authority will give Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole more influence with Government and give it a greater chance of attracting significant funding through Public Sector Growth Deals and the private sector.

Improving infrastructure

Spending more on infrastructure will mean road and rail links across the urban area can be improved, as well as links to Exeter and Bristol to the west and Southampton and London to the east. Reducing journey times and making new areas within BCP more accessible will unlock new development sites and support higher values around stations.

Housebuilding boost

Urban Dorset will need a new Local Plan, where the housing need is likely to be 2,160 homes per year. Only half that number are currently being built. Due the tight natural constraints of the sea, heath and floodplain, both brownfield sites in the urban area and Green Belt development will be needed to meet this growing need. A range of types and tenures of homes are needed.

Stronger business offering

The area needs to enhance its offering for existing businesses and to attract new ones. It currently has the fastest broadband in the country and the first test bed for 5G in partnership with OS at the Lansdowne. By capitalising on its digital assets and pioneering 5G across all the key business districts it will set itself apart.

Public-private partnership is key and working with the universities to create incubator space at Talbot Village will support the growth of the tech sector. A coherent strategy for raising the profile of the area and improving digital and transport infrastructure across the urban area will also help to grow the aviation and marine engineering sectors.

Repurposing retail

Vacant retail space should be repurposed to other uses to enhance the town centres. There is enough retail space to meet the local need but above average vacant space in Bournemouth and Poole particularly. Improving the public realm in the core retail areas, repurposing empty shops and strategically considering how the different town centres can complement each other will strengthen the demand for what is already there.