Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre 

The Kings Park Leisure & Learning Centre opened in summer 2025 and has quickly become an important community asset for Boscombe. Delivered through the Towns Fund programme, the centre has expanded access to sports participation, training opportunities, health and wellbeing activity, children's soft play and high-quality learning facilities.

The project has strengthened local engagement with physical activity and skills development, supporting thousands of residents and safeguarding permanent employment. High levels of participation and course completion underline its success and ongoing value to the community.
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Kings Park Leisure & Learning Centre

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95%
Percentage of
Budget Spent
1,864
Learners, students and trainees gaining certificates, graduating or completing courses at Kings Park Leisure and Learning centre.
TARGET: 941
ACHIEVED: 1,864
Person Plus
2,404
Learners and trainees enrolled at Kings Park Leisure and Learning centre between Sept 2022 – March 2025.
TARGET: 1,704
ACHIEVED: 2,404
People Group
An additional
625
learners, trainees and students enrolled since Kings Park Leisure and Learning centre relaunch in April 2025.
TARGET (37%): 1,704
ACHIEVED: 625
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4
Full-time equivalent (FTE) permanent jobs safeguarded through the projects.
TARGET: 4
ACHIEVED: 4
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Improved activity centre with new soft play area, badminton and pickle ball courts.
19,351
Participants in sport activities since relaunch in April 2025.
TARGET: 11,000
ACHIEVED: 19,351

Community Impact and Measureable Outcomes

The centre was created to improve access to sport, learning and community wellbeing. Performance data shows strong demand, with several targets significantly exceeded by September 2025.

Kings Park Approved Plans

Performance Against Targets

  • Full-time equivalent permanent jobs safeguarded: 4 achieved (100%)
  • Parks in Mind learners enrolled: 83 achieved (76%)
  • Learners gaining certificates or completing courses: 1,864 achieved (100%)
  • Learners enrolled at new education and training facilities: 2,404 achieved (100%)
  • Learners enrolled at improved facilities: 625 achieved (37%)
  • Retail, leisure or food space improved: 1 unit achieved (100%)
  • Participants in activities and sport at Kings Park: 19,351 achieved (100%)

The high level of engagement reflects the centre's role in widening access to training and increasing sports participation across all age groups. More than 50,000 visitors have taken part in activities, events and courses since the re-launch in April 2025, highlighting the value placed on accessible community facilities within Boscombe.

Investment and Delivery

The project was funded through £969,047 allocated from the Towns Fund. By completion, £921,800 had been spent, representing 95% of the total budget.

Investment supported:

  • Purchase of the building
  • Construction and improvement works to deliver new learning and activity space
  • Equipment and internal fit-out
  • Training provision and education partnerships
  • Community sports initiatives and participation programmes

The improved space enables a wide range of sports, health and wellbeing activities, education delivery, and flexible community events.

Kings Park Leisure
Kings Park Concept Drawing

Supporting Learning, Training and Local Opportunity

The centre has supported learners in gaining new qualifications and progressing into education and employment. The range of new courses and improved facilities has encouraged new learners to participate and gain recognised outcomes.

Key benefits include:

  • Greater availability of accessible learning space
  • Qualifications and certificated course completion
  • Increased enrolment for education and training
  • Strong participation in health and wellbeing programmes
  • Improved access to sports and active lifestyles

A Lasting Community Resource

The expansion of community activity and sport has supported both physical and mental wellbeing. Participation figures demonstrate the community's enthusiasm for simple access to movement, connection and social opportunities.

The centre continues to play a central role in Kings Park, supporting residents, families, clubs, and partner organisations across the area. The Kings Park Activity & Learning Centre has delivered clear outcomes and long-term value. The project has strengthened local opportunity, safeguarded local employment, and supported thousands of residents through education, training and activity.

Its success forms an important part of the wider Better Boscombe Towns Fund investment in regeneration, learning, skills and community wellbeing.

Kings Park Learning & Leisure

Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre FAQs

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 10pm and 8.30am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Open as usual on bank holidays.

Soft Play for ages 18 months to 12 years - public sessions and birthday parties. Function hire for up to 30 people and a four court multi use sports hall for football, netball, basketball, pickleball and badminton. Adult Skills and Learning on the first floor.

Find us in the heart of Kings Park, just a short walk from Kings Park Athletics Stadium and the Vitality Stadium at Dean Court. Our location is easy to access by car, with on-site parking available, and well served by local bus routes from Bournemouth town centre and surrounding areas.

Full address: Kings Park Leisure & Learning Centre, King's Park Dr, Bournemouth BH7 6JD

The softplay and sports hall are open in the summer for bookings and an external company run holiday clubs.

“Not just about fancy new buildings, but people and community too”

“This is another example of regeneration in action in Boscombe – which is not just about fancy new buildings, but people and community too. This new offer will provide local residents a host of learning and wellbeing opportunities in the heart of Kings Park, which all ties into our bigger programme of Boscombe rejuvenation. 

Furthermore, we are committed to working closely with the bowling club about their current provision and how the leisure facilities will be shaped in the future. 

The Towns Fund has given us a huge cash injection to invest in Boscombe and the surrounding areas. We’ve exciting plans ahead, as we look to provide the community with life enhancing opportunities and greater access to good quality jobs, training, leisure activities, and homes.” 

Our community partners

We've teamed up with several trusted partners to bring our vision for Kings Park to life. Learn more about each below!

Skills & Learning provide Dorset with rewarding and enjoyable learning courses to improve your confidence and take your skills to the next level.
Bournemouth and Poole College provides further education, higher education, and community-based courses in Bournemouth and in Poole.
AECC University College is a specialist university in Bournemouth that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in a range of disciplines.

Keep up to date on Kings Park

Big things are coming! Follow us on social media for all the latest on our grand opening, upcoming events, and to connect with our team.

Engagement Hub:
30-32 Royal Arcade, Boscombe,
Bournemouth BH1 4BT

email [email protected]

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Bournemouth Towns Fund