Better jobs, increased access to affordable housing, improved transport, regenerated town centres, and stronger communities are all part of an ambitious 10-year plan being proposed by BCP Council and developed by the BCP Business Growth Board.
At its core, the BCP Growth Plan aims to bolster the area’s status as one of the best coastal communities to live and work – investing in our people, places, and public spaces.
The plan, which has been directly shaped by businesses and stakeholders, outlines a range of projects for further exploration that build on existing momentum and successes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Building on BCP’s diverse economy, including financial services, advanced manufacturing and creative sectors, targeted support is proposed for key industries expected to drive growth in the region over the next decade.
And the plan looks to capitalise on the depth of talent we have across our towns – tapping into our three universities and expanding college as a pipeline for skills, innovation and further development: ensuring we both attract and retain the best talent so residents can build careers in the places they love to call home.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “This plan is a bold roadmap for the future of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – putting our communities at the heart of growth.
“From improving transport links and supporting emerging industries to accelerating much needed affordable housing developments and driving inward investment, the BCP Growth Plan presents innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges our area faces – in order to deliver inclusive growth.
“Now that the Plan has been developed we are in a strong position, working alongside partners, to unlock the additional funding that our region so richly deserves – allowing us to go even further for residents and make real improvements to their daily lives.
“BCP’s Growth Plan is ambitious but so are our communities – and I’m proud we now have a strategy that rightly reflects this.”
Oversight of the Plan sit with the BCP Business Growth Board – a body which brings together a cross-sector partnership of key regional leaders including BCP Council, businesses, 3rd sector investors, and universities and colleges.
Aimed at ensuring our towns are a place of opportunity for everyone, the Plan looks at the area’s existing strengths and builds on active regeneration work and a clear appetite for investing in our three towns.
With more than £750million of ongoing investment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the Growth Plan allows us BCP Council to push forward in unlocking more sources of funding from Government and private sectors that match our ambition for the future.
Among the priorities is targeted support and development opportunities that equip residents with the right skills for future employment – focussing on growing sectors and providing extra help to those facing barriers to work: leading to meaningful jobs for more in our communities.
The plan also looks to bolster the health and wellbeing of residents with a joined-up, collaborative approach to health, skills and employment support that gives communities access to the right help at the right time.
Bold solutions are presented to help make getting around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole easier and more reliable – no matter how people travel – with a focus on reducing congestion and improving everyday congestions. These proposals go hand in hand with the Local Transport Plan 2026-2041 which has recently been co-created alongside Dorset Council following extensive public engagement.
The BCP Growth Plan will be discussed by Councillors on BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on 15 June 2026 – with a full report to be discussed by Cabinet and Council at a later date.
Press release and image – BCP Council