Bold plan to unlock investment, drive growth, and create jobs across BCP
A new 10-year Growth Plan is being proposed by BCP Council, developed with the BCP Business Growth Board, setting out an ambitious vision to unlock investment and create opportunity across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The plan brings together big priorities that affect day-to-day life for residents — including better jobs, more affordable housing, improved transport, regenerated town centres, and stronger communities.
A roadmap to make BCP one of the best coastal places to live and work
At its heart, the BCP Growth Plan aims to strengthen the area’s position as one of the UK’s best coastal communities to live and work, by investing in:
- People (skills, jobs and opportunity)
- Places (town centres and neighbourhoods)
- Public spaces (the environments that shape daily life)
BCP Council says the plan has been directly shaped by businesses and stakeholders, and outlines a range of projects for further exploration — building on momentum and successes already happening across the three towns.
Backing key industries and future growth sectors
The plan recognises BCP’s diverse economy and proposes targeted support for industries expected to drive growth over the next decade, including:
- Financial services
- Advanced manufacturing
- Creative sectors
Skills, talent and keeping careers local
A major theme is making sure local people can build long-term careers without having to leave the area.
The plan looks to tap into the region’s talent by working with three universities and expanding college, using them as a pipeline for skills, innovation and development — helping BCP both attract and retain talent.
“A bold roadmap for the future”
BCP Council Leader Cllr Millie Earl described the plan as a “bold roadmap” that puts communities at the heart of growth.
She said the plan includes ideas ranging from improving transport links and supporting emerging industries, to accelerating affordable housing and driving inward investment — with the aim of delivering inclusive growth.
Cllr Earl added that with the plan now developed, BCP and its partners are in a stronger position to unlock additional funding from government and the private sector, helping deliver real improvements for residents.
Working together through the Business Growth Board
Oversight of the plan sits with the BCP Business Growth Board, bringing together leaders from across the region — including BCP Council, businesses, third sector investors, and universities and colleges.
The plan is intended to ensure the area becomes a place of opportunity for everyone, building on existing strengths and active regeneration work already underway.
Building on £750 million of existing investment
BCP Council says there is already more than £750 million of ongoing investment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — and the Growth Plan is designed to help unlock even more funding from both government and the private sector.
Priorities: jobs, wellbeing and transport
Among the plan’s priorities are proposals to:
- Support residents with the right skills for future employment
- Provide extra help for those facing barriers to work
- Strengthen health and wellbeing through joined-up support across health, skills and employment
- Improve travel across BCP — making journeys easier and more reliable, with a focus on reducing congestion
The transport proposals link closely with the Local Transport Plan 2026–2041, recently co-created with Dorset Council following extensive public engagement.
What happens next?
The BCP Growth Plan is set to be discussed by councillors at BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on 15 June 2026, with a full report expected to go to Cabinet and Council at a later date.
