Residents are being urged to have their say on a bold new vision for the Talbot Village area of Poole.
Proposals include new university buildings, enhanced campuses, protection for the Talbot Heath wildlife haven, transport enhancements and a digital employment village for cutting-edge businesses.
Borough of Poole has launched a public consultation about the proposals in a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to direct the future of development in the area of Talbot Village which falls within its boundaries – including Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.
It is the first phase of a new Talbot Project bringing together major landowners and councils in the wider Talbot Village area for the first time for a co-ordinated approach to future development.
Partners in the Talbot Village Project – Talbot Village Trust, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council – have been working together on an informal Master Plan, which forms the basis of the SPD.
The aim is to realise the economic potential of the Talbot Village area, enhance the excellence of the universities, protect the internationally important wildlife haven of Talbot Heath and improve transport infrastructure whilst respecting the amenity of neighbouring residential areas.
A six-week consultation period for the SPD began Monday August 10th and is open for comments until September 21, including at a public exhibition on September 7 at Bournemouth University.
Cllr Ian Potter, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Regeneration at Borough of Poole, said: “For the first time since the Talbot sisters created the historic Talbot Village back in the 1800s, a single vision is being developed to drive the strategic direction of this vitally important area.
“We want to put an exciting plan in place that directs future development in the area for the next 20 years, boosts the economy, improves transport infrastructure and mitigates the impact on those who live and work in the area.”
Cllr Janet Walton, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole, added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to make a real difference and we would urge everyone to have their say so we can create the best possible future for Talbot Village.”
The SPD draft proposals include transformation of the university campuses into a modern quarter with new academic buildings in greener, high-quality settings.
Others include a flagship digital employment village for cutting-edge businesses such as computer game companies, mobile technology developers and computer generated animation specialists.
The aim is to capitalise on Bournemouth and Poole’s status as the UK’s fastest growing digital economy, according to a recent report by Tech Nation.
Proposals also include a plan for the sustainable management of Talbot Heath under the guidance of Natural England and the creation of new open space.
Traffic and transport proposals include a new entrance on to the Boundary Roundabout to enable vehicles to access Wallisdown Road at two points.
Enhancements to promote a sustainable and balanced transport strategy include a new bus interchange to replace the current facilities on Fern Barrow, cycle lanes, pedestrian paths and upgraded crossings.
The universities alone already contribute more than £270m each year to the local economy, supporting 2,390 jobs.
There are no details of specific buildings or costs at this stage as individual detailed planning applications will be submitted by individual landowners for various elements at later dates.
Separately, Bournemouth Borough Council is working with the partners on the areas that fall within its boundaries and there will be public consultation about these at a later date.
A public exhibition detailing the draft SPD is being held on Monday 7 September, 2pm-8.30pm, Talbot House, Bournemouth University Talbot campus. Car parking will be available on campus from 4pm onwards.
