Bournemouth: Plans in for ‘gateway’ housing scheme

Plans for a high-quality housing scheme on a prominent western gateway to Bournemouth town centre have been submitted to Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP).

The proposal, by long-standing local developer Bayview Developments, is to rejuvenate a vacant brownfield site on a landmark position by the A35 Wessex Way. The Cambridge Road scheme features 100 apartments, all with outdoor balconies and incorporating a mix of one and two bedrooms, across four buildings.

If approved, the homes will be for market sale and aimed at first-time buyers, young professionals, existing Bournemouth residents and others keen to live close to the town centre.

Bill Buckler, Bayview Developments’ managing director, said: “There is a clear need here in Bournemouth, and in towns and cities across the country, for high-quality homes in central locations. We want to rejuvenate an under-utilised former council highways depot at what is a prominent gateway site.

“We aim to transform it with highly attractive living accommodation and beautiful contemporary architecture that reflects Bournemouth’s evolving town centre character. Our scheme has the potential to lift the urban environment, provide much-needed homes for people, support the town centre economy and bring more life to the area.

“By rejuvenating this site, we can help ease pressure on the greenbelt while being a catalyst that enables people to enjoy town centre living in beautiful surroundings.”

The planning application follows extensive consultation, including feedback from a public exhibition of plans before the pandemic, and extensive collaboration with BCP planning officers and urban designers over the past 18 months or so.

Buckler added: “We have a symbiotic partnership with BCP, with us both sharing in a journey to regenerate the town centre with high-quality architecture. We both have faith in and a love for the town and have evolved the plans for Cambridge Road through dialogue and participation.

“The scheme is close to Bournemouth Gardens and the main shopping area, and just a short walk to the beach. It is very sustainable from the point of view of modern, town centre living.”

The development features two multi-storey towers and two lower blocks, with parking below road level. All flats will have dedicated outdoor space thanks to extensive balconies, while communal features include a hotel-like reception area, and landscaped gardens with welcoming seated areas.

The plans incorporate on-site car parking and ample cycle spaces for residents and visitors alike. There will be a new public footpath and street lighting along the western side of Cambridge Road, making it safer and more attractive to navigate, while roof-mounted solar panels will help the development generate the electricity it needs, making it highly sustainable.

If the application is approved, a start on site would be made in the second half of 2021 with the construction programme likely to take around a year and a half to complete.