Granting of Leyton Mount development kick-starts regeneration

Posted: 21/02/2012 at 9:08am

The first in a series of town centre regeneration projects by a public-private partnership has been given the go-ahead in Bournemouth.

Plans by The Bournemouth Development Company to build apartments and a commercial unit suitable for a cafe or restaurant at Leyton Mount overlooking Horseshoe Common were approved by the Council’s Planning Board yesterday (Monday February 20).

The colourful five storey development, on the corner of Madeira Road and Old Christchurch Road, is expected to create more vibrancy and trade in a currently underused part of town, creating greater and safer use of the Common.

Speaking after the planning meeting, Duncan Johnston of The Bournemouth Development Company, said: “We’ve worked closely with the Council and the local community to ensure plans for Leyton Mount deliver considerable physical, social and economic regeneration and we’re looking forward to starting work on site later this year.”

“This development will act as a catalyst for change – increasing the number of people living in the town centre, generating trade for local businesses and creating more of a balance between daytime and evening activity along Old Christchurch Road.”

Planners granted permission for the scheme and The Bournemouth Development Company will make a financial contribution towards affordable housing provision, heathland management, local recreation facilities and transport infrastructure.

Car parking spaces lost through the scheme will be replaced in the form of a multi-storey car park at neighbouring Madeira Road West.

Leyton Mount is one of a number of core town centre sites earmarked for regeneration by The Bournemouth Development Company over the next two decades. The public-private partnership between the Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd is a major delivery
vehicle for the Town Centre Vision, aiming to increase the number of people living and working in and visiting Bournemouth and to rejuvenate outside spaces.  Developments will create a revenue share for the Council to reinvest in public space improvements and visitor attractions, which are considered key to the town’s future prosperity.

Visit www.bournemouthdevelopmentcompany.com