Smart Place Programme

The Smart Place Programme was launched in 2021 to modernise Boscombe's digital connectivity and strengthen the infrastructure needed for future innovation across the town.
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Smart Place

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91%
Percentage of
Budget Spent
Case White
14
Temporary full-time jobs supported.
TARGET: 5
ACHIEVED: 14
14
Full-time equivalent permanent jobs created through the project.
TARGET (67%): 21
ACHIEVED: 14
3.15
Full-time equivalent permanent jobs safeguarded through the project.
TARGET: 3.15
ACHIEVED: 3.15
8.7%
5G coverage in town.
TARGET: 2.2%
ACHIEVED: 8.7%
Signal Bars
40
Additional enterprises with broadband access of at least 30mbps.
498,000m2
Area covered by public Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.
TARGET: 2.2%
ACHIEVED: 8.7%

Building a connected future for Boscombe

The programme has focused on improving access to reliable public Wi-Fi, strengthening mobile and 5G coverage, and deploying digital applications that support residents, businesses and visitors. This investment helps people stay connected in public spaces, access services, work remotely, and explore Boscombe more easily.

By late 2025, the programme had exceeded multiple connectivity targets, delivering measurable improvements in coverage, access and digital capability across the town.

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Aims and Objectives

The Smart Place Programme was established to:

  • Deploy digital infrastructure that increases access to connectivity for residents and businesses, helping more people get online
  • Develop and roll out digital services, including free public Wi-Fi and location-based digital applications
  • Support economic activity, footfall and innovation through improved digital connectivity

Digital infrastructure now underpins everyday life, from running a business and applying for jobs to accessing services and finding out what is happening locally. The programme's investment supports inclusive access to connectivity in key public areas across Boscombe.

Community Impact and Measurable Outcomes

The Smart Place Programme has delivered tangible benefits for Boscombe by:

  • Creating high-value digital jobs
  • Providing free public Wi-Fi to improve digital access
  • Offering advanced digital connectivity technologies for business use
  • Supporting increased town centre footfall and activity
Performance against MHCLG targets

Over the lifetime of the project, supported by £2.6 million of MHCLG funding, the programme has achieved:

  • 3.15 jobs safeguarded (100% of target)
  • 14 temporary jobs created (100% of target)
  • 14 permanent jobs created (67% of target of 21)
  • 498,000 sqm of Boscombe covered by free public Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies (over three times the target)
  • 8.7% of Boscombe covered by a BCP-owned standalone 5G network (four times the target)
  • 40 broadband connections delivered at speeds of at least 30 Mbps

The standalone 5G network is a unique UK asset, providing a secure, end-to-end environment that allows businesses to test and develop digital products and systems in real-world conditions

Public Wi-Fi Usage

Free public Wi-Fi across Boscombe and Lansdowne is consistently well used, with around 15,000 connections per month and approximately 9,000 unique users.

The Wi-Fi login portal has also been used to promote council and partner messaging to a hyper-local audience, with an average of 14,000 logins per month, helping residents access relevant information and support.

Digital Applications Delivered

The programme has supported the development and deployment of several digital applications, including:

  • Sea Check web app, providing near real-time sea conditions, weather data and water safety information for beachgoers
  • Air quality monitoring, delivering real-time data to support understanding of environmental health and inform future improvements
  • Woodland Walk augmented reality trails, designed to encourage families to explore nature and increase footfall between the town centre and the beach
Sea Check Web App
Sea Check Bouys
Halloween Augmented Trail

Investment and Delivery

The programme was allocated £1,943,628 to support digital connectivity and infrastructure.
By December 2025, £1,787,889 had been spent, representing 92% of the total budget.

Funding breakdown
  • Infrastructure works (Wi-Fi and 5G installation, licensing, equipment and maintenance): £1,402,534.62
  • Staff costs (2024 - present): £352,381
  • Premises costs for servers (2022 - present): £28,000
  • Other costs: £4,973.76

Project Legacy and Next Steps

The Smart Place Programme concludes at the end of March 2026. As part of the Towns Fund legacy:

  • Contracts to maintain the Wi-Fi server will continue for a further year, funded through to March 2027
  • Discussions are underway regarding partnerships and asset transfer options for equipment and networks
  • The Sea Check and air quality applications will continue to be managed by BCP Council departments
  • BCP Council is developing a managed approach to digital inclusion across the wider conurbation
What This Means for Boscombe

The Smart Place Programme has laid strong digital foundations for a more connected and future-ready Boscombe. By improving coverage, access and digital capability, the programme supports community wellbeing, local enterprise and long-term town centre vitality as part of the wider Better Boscombe Towns Fund programme.

Stay in the loop on Smart Place

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Follow us on social media for exclusive updates on our latest tech innovations and to connect with our team.

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

email [email protected]

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