Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, has said that the conurbation is made special by “the residents, workers, volunteers, and business owners who pour their energy and pride into our communities every single day”.
Adding that although high streets across the UK are changing, due to chains moving away from town centres or going out of business, the council is meeting the challenge of tackling this change by working with partners.
Cllr Earl said: “Poole’s reputation as one of the most welcoming coastal destinations on the south coast continues.”
Previously it has been reported that more than five million trips were made to Poole town centre over Christmas.
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It was also highlighted by the council leader that Christchurch “continues to be a hub of cultural activity” with a variety of different festivals throughout the year, while Bournemouth has seen 30 new business open since the beginning of 2025.
There is currently more than £750million of ongoing investment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
This includes the creation of 230 jobs at Bournemouth Airport, significant investment from JPMorgan, Bournemouth Water, and the RNLI.
Cllr Earl said it is “no coincidence” that “millions of trips are made to our three town centres every single month”, adding that it shows “continued confidence in the positive progress being made”.
The council leader said: “Our vacancy rate is already falling. By working alongside landlords, business improvement districts, and government officials to bring these shopfronts back into community use. This demonstrates a growing confidence in our towns as places to invest, work and build for the future.”
Recently BCP Council was given powers to implement High Street Rental Auction, meaning the council are able to bring properties that have been vacant back into use.
Cllr Earl is asking residents to “believe in our own communities” as BCP Council has “got plans in place and we’re working with partners to continue that momentum throughout 2026 to make sure Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a place everyone feels proud to call their home”.