The visit was hosted by Pam Donnellan and Stephen McLoughin, the Chief Executive and Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, respectively. The Minister’s tour included visits to Boscombe’s Neighbourhood Management Office, Boscombe Wholefood Co-operative, Crumbs Café (which provides work and training for people with disabilities) and the new Boscombe Library.
The Minister walked through the newly refurbished Boscombe Chine Gardens, heard about the progress on the surf reef that is expected to open next year, and walked along Boscombe Pier to see how reconstruction work is progressing.
Council Leader Stephen MacLoughlin, said: “I am very pleased to be able to show the Minster for the South West all the regeneration work in Boscombe. More than four years ago, Bournemouth Council decided to sell Honeycombe Chine car park, and to invest the money in Boscombe. Private investment has followed, leading to a transformation of the seafront. The new confidence in Boscombe’s future is expected to stimulate improvements throughout the area over time. I am impressed by the changes that have been made so far.”
