Dorset LEP invests in major improvement works to Bournemouth’s Lansdowne Business District

Dorset Local Enterprise partnership (LEP) has invested £4.8 million to transform the Lansdowne Business District, Bournemouth.

This project is expected to unlock 1.7HA of land, attract new businesses and investment to Lansdowne, and create up to 400 new jobs.

Physical works will commence on Monday 15 March to improve the street scene, create public space, encourage sustainable travel and increase Lansdowne’s connection to Bournemouth Station, the town centre, seafront and business districts.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP Director, says: “Our Lansdowne Business District project will breathe new life into the heart of Bournemouth. It will support existing businesses and encourage start-ups through the implementation of superfast technology and improved public services. This investment is predicted to create £121 million in GVA over the next 25 years.”

Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “We can celebrate an exciting milestone for the future growth of Lansdowne as a great place to live, work, study and visit. With the investment that has been secured by Dorset LEP, the major improvements which we are delivering will support Lansdowne’s dynamic business community by encouraging more people to visit and stay in the area longer. They will also become a springboard for economic recovery and encourage future investment over the longer term.”

Local conurbation residents or those who visit Bournemouth for work or leisure can now look forward to improvements to bus services, protected cycling routes, safer pedestrian crossings, new seating areas and artworks and an open-air event area.

For more information, please visit: https://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/lansdowne-business-district

For more information, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/lansdowne

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Dorset LEP

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership, promoting local economic growth and prosperity. Dorset LEP deliver projects that support and develop infrastructure, housing, skills, enterprise and business growth to achieve long-term economic benefit for all in Dorset.

For more information visit the Dorset LEP website http://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/

Local Growth Fund

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone.

That’s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12bn through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders.

Some additional key facts:

• There are 38 LEPs covering the whole of England.
• The government has awarded £9.1bn in three rounds of Growth Deals to local areas to drive economic growth.
• LEPs are investing in a wide range of projects including transport, skills, business support, broadband, innovation and flood defences.

BCP Council

Plans for the initial Lansdowne Transformation delivery phase were approved in November 2020.

The improvement contributes to at least three of the BCP Council’s priorities:

• Dynamic Places – Supporting innovative and successful economy in a great place to live, work, learn and visit.
• Sustainable Environment - Leading our communities towards a cleaner, sustainable future that preserves our outstanding environment for generations to come.
• Fulfilled Lives – Helping people lead active, healthy and independent lives, adding years to life and life to years.