Since 2020, the Bournemouth Towns Fund management team has worked closely with local stakeholders to design a community hub that aligns with the needs and aspirations of Boscombe residents. The new Hawkwood Road Community Centre, a 795 sq. metre, two-storey building, is set to become a focal point for cultural, educational, and wellbeing activities in the area.
The Hawkwood Road Community Centre will be built on a small car park in Hawkwood Road, at the back of the former WHSmith and Costa Coffee. The new building will boast an attractive contemporary design, complete with an external seating and terrace area, that overlooks the new walkway.
- Two large community halls (170 sq. metres each), ideal for workshops, exhibitions, film nights, or large gatherings
- Two meeting rooms, flexible enough to function as workshop or studio spaces
- A large reception area that can be used as a café, fostering social interaction and a welcoming environment for visitors
- A 21 sq. metre kitchen with a serving hatch for events, workshops, and café use
- An 18 sq. metre office for the management team, ensuring the smooth running of the centre
- lots of storage space
- a separate external access to the first floor, lift and lots of toilets!
The Hawkwood Road Community Centre is more than just a building; it's will be a creative and cultural hub where ideas, talent, and opportunities flourish. Our vision is to create an inclusive, dynamic space that plays a key role in delivering the goals of the Bournemouth Town Investment Plan. The Centre will provide:
1. A welcoming, social, and inclusive space: A place where everyone can participate and experience the positive impacts of creativity on mental and physical health.
2. A safe space for a range of activities: From workshops to wellness programmes, the centre will support the local population in enhancing their health and wellbeing.
3. Opportunities for growth and development: Helping people to build skills, develop confidence, and access new opportunities.
4. A place to make art, friendships, and change: Promoting creativity as a tool for personal growth and social change.
5. Celebration of local creative talent: Showcasing the power of creativity to inspire, empower, and motivate individuals within the community.
6. A collaborative approach: Encouraging local residents to take ownership of activities and shape the centre's future.
7. Financial sustainability: By generating income from room hire, the centre will ensure a long-term presence in the community, supporting a dedicated manager and maintaining its facilities.
The Hawkwood Road Community Centre will host a wide range of activities that reflect the diverse needs and interests of the Boscombe community. Planned activities include:
- Creative workshops for all ages and abilities
- Health and wellbeing activities, including social prescribing
- Exhibitions, events, film screenings, and pop-up theatre performances
- A community café and shop
- Drop-in advisory and referral services
- Training, mentoring, and skills-based workshops
- Flexible room hire for local organisations and businesses
We will be selecting an Operator for the community centre in 2025, through an open tender process. The operator will play a critical role in ensuring the centre runs smoothly, delivers impactful services, and meets the needs of the local community.
The ideal organisation, will have experience in business planning, managing not-for-profit services, and working with diverse communities. They will also be skilled in designing and delivering creative arts and/or health and wellbeing programmes.
Moreover, the operator will need to demonstrate a commitment to engaging with hard-to-reach groups, such as NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training), and have a creative approach to marketing, funding, and pricing structures.
We will be advertising for an Operator in 2025. For more information contact us at the usual email: [email protected]
The Hawkwood Road Community Centre is set to become a vital part of Boscombe's regeneration, offering a dynamic space for creativity, community, and change.
Stay tuned for updates on the operator recruitment process, community activities, and more. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for Boscombe.
The Better Boscombe management team has been working with community stakeholders in developing this project since 2020/2021. The milestones are summarised as follows:
· 2019: Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan Consultation confirmed there is a demand for a purpose-built village hall in Boscombe centre
· 2020: Bournemouth Town Investment Plan and engagement- inclusion of a Village Hall in the masterplan
· 2022: Phase One masterplan designs include proposals for two storey community centre
· 2023: Boscombe Masterplan detailed business case approved by DLUHC including Business Case for Boscombe Village Hall (known as the BCH business case) which included 2 design options
· 2023: Planning application submission for single-storey community centre
· 2024: Project Adjustment Request approved by Towns Fund Board and Government allocating further funds to the community centre, enabling designs to be amended and planning application to be approved for the 2 storey community centre.
· 2025: Work to start on site to develop community centre.
· 2026: Building due to be completed.
· 2024: Occupier Selected, contract to commence formally in March 2026, with pilot projects being delivered in 2024-2026 from the Better Boscombe Engagement Hub.
Engagement Hub:
30-32 Royal Arcade, Boscombe,
Bournemouth BH1 4BT
email [email protected]
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