The Old School House (TOSH) Upgrades

The Old School House (TOSH) is a restored Victorian Grade II listed building in Boscombe, managed by non-profit Recreate Dorset. Originally developed as a school in 1878, it now supports arts careers growth and provides creative activities for Boscombe's diverse community.

TOSH offers unique artistic studios for freelancers and creatives that can be hired for workshops, classes, community groups. As part of the Better Boscombe programme, investment has improved the building's comfort and usability, helping more people access the space all year round.

Community Impact and Measurable Outcomes 

This project was delivered to protect a valued heritage building while improving the local facilities available to residents, creatives and community groups. The grant funding enabled building improvements that increase thermal performance, strengthen climate change resilience, prolong the life of the listed structure, and create additional workspace for freelancers to hire, collaborate and grow.

What the Investment Supported

MHCLG Towns Fund grant funding enabled restorative works including:

• window improvements
• secondary glazing
• electrical works
• flooring upgrades

Additional grant funding from Veolia Environmental Trust supported a low carbon heat pump and water system.

These improvements help protect the fabric of the building while improving comfort and function supporting increased year-round use by the community.

Performance Against Targets

Recreate Dorset successfully met all required MHCLG Towns Fund target outputs. By September 2025, the project achieved:

• Full-time equivalent (FTE) permanent jobs safeguarded through the project: 4 (Target Achieved)
• Number of Improved community centre: 1 (Target Complete)
• Heritage buildings renovated / restored: 1 (Target Complete)
• Enterprises receiving non-financial support through this project: 50 (Target Achieved)
• Potential entrepreneurs assisted to be enterprise-ready: 50 (Target Achieved)
• Floorspace repurposed (sqm): 275 achieved (Target Complete)

Courses, workshops, visiting speakers and networking sessions were delivered to support business start-ups and improve their chances of long-term success.

The completed works ensure TOSH can continue to serve as a practical, welcoming and flexible space for Boscombe's community - supporting learning, creative activity and local enterprise in a setting that reflects the area's character and heritage.

Investment and Delivery

The project was funded through £152,124 allocated from the Towns Fund programme. By September 2025, £152,124 had been spent on restorative works, representing 100% of the total budget.

Funding breakdown

• Recreate Dorset - Grant recipient 5% advance: £7,612
• Recreate Dorset - Grant recipient award for restorative works: £144,387
• Total: £152,000

Supporting Creativity, Enterprise and Community Activity

TOSH plays an ongoing role in strengthening Boscombe's local economy and community identity. By improving the quality and usability of the space, the project supports more opportunities for residents and organisations to meet, learn, collaborate and deliver local programmes.

Key benefits include:

• improved usability of a heritage community asset
• better conditions for workshops, events and meetings
• increased capacity to support enterprise and creative development
• additional repurposed floorspace to meet local demand

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

email [email protected]

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