Bournemouth rejuvenation project shortlisted for national award

Posted: 7/04/2016 at 1:18pm

A landmark rejuvenation project in Bournemouth town centre is in the running for a prestigious national award.

The integrated package of improvements to Horseshoe Common has been recognised with a shortlisting at the Planning & Placemaking Awards.

Key elements include the elevated Citrus Building with its 64 new homes and family-friendly Turtle Bay restaurant, complementing work by Bournemouth Borough Council to achieve a safer, more attractive public space and streetscape around the Common.

The award submission also highlights the positive impact to the wider area of the nearby Madeira Road student accommodation and multi-storey public car park.

The development of the Citrus Building and Madeira Road was led by the Council’s regeneration partnership The Bournemouth Development Company.

Duncan Johnston, Development Director, said: “Many people have worked in partnership to help rejuvenate Horseshoe Common and we’re thrilled this has been recognised with a place on a national award shortlist. It shows the innovation and vision that exists here in Bournemouth to support the community and the town.”

Councillor John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “As part of the Council’s commitment to regenerate this key town centre location Horseshoe Common has been completely revitalised.

“The shared space around the Common now offers those living, working and visiting this part of town a safer and more attractive environment.  As a location it is fast becoming a much sought-after area attracting new businesses as well as first time buyers.”

Also involved in the project were locally-based planning and design consultancy Terence O’Rourke.

Terry Williams, Director of Architecture, said: “There is a clear synergy between the bright, uplifting Citrus Building and the enhanced public realm at this key town centre location, which have together promoted safety and well-being.”

The Bournemouth Development Company is a partnership between Bournemouth Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

Its aim is to deliver the council’s long-term Town Centre Vision though revitalised infrastructure, homes, education, family attractions, public spaces, business and retail facilities.

The Bournemouth Development Company’s work on rejuvenating Madeira Road has already won two regional awards.

At last year’s Built Environment Awards, run by Construction Excellence and the Chartered Institute of Building, it won the Integration and Collaborative Working Award. At the Building Excellence Awards held by Local Authority Building Control, the Madeira Road car park won the category of Best Public Service Building.

Winners of the Planning & Placemaking Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London, in June 2016.

The Horseshoe Common project is a finalist in the category for ‘Placemaking using public sector-owned land and property’.