New Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens' Panel launched to embed resident voices into future of town

Jessica Toale MP (left) and BCP Council Leader Millie Earl (right) in Bournemouth Gardens

Jessica Toale MP and BCP council leader Millie Earl have joined forces to launch a Citizens’ Panel to help embed residents' voices in plans to improve Bournemouth town centre.

The search is on for a group of up to 50 residents of all ages, different backgrounds and experiences, to form part of a new Citizens’ Panel that will help shape the future of Bournemouth town centre.

Jessica, Labour MP for Bournemouth West which includes the town centre, and BCP Council Leader Millie Earl (Lib Dem) will work together, alongside Pier Journal, Patch in Bobby's and Richard Eastham from Feria Urbanism, to create a representative Citizens' Panel to understand and learn from different perspectives from across the area.

The Citizens' Panel builds on a series of plans BCP Council has developed to improve the town centre, and follows a series of town centre-focused coffee mornings and a town hall event run by Jessica throughout March and April, in which she heard from hundreds of residents with concerns - as well as ideas on how to address these.

Jessica Toale listens to residents during coffee morning in Lansdowne in March 2025

“The state of Bournemouth town centre is a real concern for so many,” explained Jessica. “From fears over crime and antisocial behaviour to a deep longing for the shopping offer of the 80s and 90s, it’s clear that many people are avoiding the town centre altogether.

“Bournemouth town centre has such a key role to play in not only the success of the area when it comes to tourism, culture and heritage but is also a key part of our identity. We want a place we can all feel proud of, and while there are lots of positives, we still have a way to go and we won’t get there without local people’s involvement.”

Millie added: "Our focus on tackling the challenges in Bournemouth centre means we are starting to see positive change; new businesses are coming in and confidence is growing. We're working hard to attract more investors and to ensure empty shop units can be brought back to life. We’re committed to maintaining this trend by supporting local businesses, working with Business Improvement Districts and doing what we can to attract people back into our vibrant town.

"Everyone has a part to play in ensuring our high street is revitalized, and I'm excited to see the ways in which the new Citizens' Panel will help Bournemouth evolve and continue to thrive. I look forward to working closely with Jess and our residents to keep the positive momentum felt around Bournemouth town centre going this year."

Jessica Toale talks with resident at town hall meeting in April 2025

Panellists will be selected at random with up to 50 people attending five creative and productive three hour sessions between June and November 2025. They will learn about the progress already being made, and explore what else can be done. At the end, they will have a deliverable action plan outlining who can do what - including the local MP, council, businesses and residents.

If you are interested in the future of Bournemouth town centre and are prepared to share your views, opinions and suggestions in a constructive way that can directly shape and influence the success of our town centre, please apply to be part of the Citizens’ Panel before the deadline on 27 May 2025.

Apply now