Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens’ Panel unveils Co-Created Action Plan

Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens' Panel, Jessica Toale & Millie Earl celebrate the launch of the Co-Created Action Plan at Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery in January 2026 (Image: Holly Jones)

The first ever Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens’ Panel revealed its

Co-Created Action Plan – an initiative set up by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale in collaboration with BCP Council Leader Millie Earl. 

The plan is the result of six-months' work by 50 panellists selected at random from 250 applicants last year to reflect the make up of the local area. Three panellists joined Jessica and Millie for a panel Q&A at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, along with a screening of a film documenting the process and official release of the Co-Created Action Plan. 

It outlines a vision for Bournemouth Town Centre is a safe and inclusive place shaped by the people who call it home; embracing its heritage alongside new ideas. It’s about breaking out of its ‘seaside resort’ box and becoming an ambitious urban centre, full of culture and energy. 

The plan itself is divided into sections including: Community Engagement and Civic Pride; Regeneration and Placemaking; Retail, Business & Economic Growth; Culture, Events and Year-Round Activation; Safety and Security; Movement and Accessibility; Wellbeing, Public Realm and Environment; and Engagement, Governance and Accountability. 

Each area includes flagship actions, and kick-off actions. Examples include using High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) to fill empty shops, launching a ‘Bourne and Bred’ identity campaign, bringing empty spaces to life with murals, increased use of the bandstand in the gardens and a community planting day. 

“The panel has given us a clear steer on what they want to see in the town centre, and I’m going to do everything I can to help make this happen,” says Jessica, who first started thinking about launching a panel a year ago – just six months after she was elected as the town’s first female, first Labour MP.

 “I've spoken to hundreds of people who have all criticised the state of the town centre. They want to feel proud of the place they live. So I knew we needed to do something different, and involve residents at the heart of ongoing plans to revive it.” 

Jessica Toale MP chats to panellists at the launch celebration for their Co-Created Action Plan (Image: Holly Jones)

Millie added: “Working with the citizen’s panel has been invaluable; their diverse views and ideas have shaped a shared vision that is rooted in real community priorities.

"This last year, 22 new business have opened in the town – with three more opening this month – which is a huge mark of confidence in Bournemouth. 

“I’ll continue to build on that success; working with all our partners to realise this shared vision and with our local MP to turn this collective ambition into lasting improvements for everyone who lives or works in Bournemouth town centre, as well as our visitors.”

The plan was the result of five structured sessions at Patch from June - November 2025, part of one of the town’s regeneration success stories – Bobby's, led by Richard Eastham at Feria Urbanism. During these sessions, panellists learned about how the town centre is run and the various agencies involved – including the council, police and Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID). 

Behind this plan sits a longer ideas bank with input from panellists which came from a range of backgrounds and included school pupils, students, people who’ve lived here their whole lives and others who’ve moved here in recent years.  

Local leaders join panellists for a Q&A at the launch of the Co-Created Action Plan (Image: Holly Jones)

The launch, which took place at Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery on 23 January 2026, saw 30 panellists come together with 30 local leaders who could have a role to play in delivering the plan. 

The outputs of this process, a new and innovative approach for the town, includes a governance document which outlines how panellists will remain involved in monitoring progress against the plan. 

Jessica said: “One of the most memorable moments from this process for me was when we asked whether panellists would like to continue, and every single one raised their hand. Here we have a room of dedicated citizens willing to stand up and work together to improve our town and it gives us a clear mandate and direction of travel for the years ahead.” 

Work is now underway to connect with the right people and organisations to help deliver this plan. Is that you? Jessica would love to hear from local organisations and people able to help deliver this plan. Please email: jessica.toale.mp@parliament.uk  

Read the action plan