Ferndown town centre revamp work gets under way
- Published
The improvement work will focus on the Penny's Walk and Victoria Road areas
Work is due to begin on improving facilities in a town centre.
The first phase of the revamp to Ferndown will see new planters and seating areas in Penny's Walk and Victoria Road.
Dorset County Council said the £20,000 scheme would make it a "more modern and community-focused area".
It is designed to improve access and street lighting in a bid to help local retailers and boost the night time economy.
The work follows a comprehensive appraisal of the town in 2017.
Recommendations at the time were made to Ferndown Town Council and the former East Dorset District Council.
The design of new seating and replacement planting in Victoria Road is part of the Reconnecting with Nature Spaces project, coordinated by Litter Free Dorset.
Phase two of the scheme will see a revised parking scheme for Victoria Road to help getting to the shops easier for those who need to travel to the town centre by car.
Phase three will focus on spaces for new retailers, hospitality businesses and a refreshed public space for events, markets and town life in Penny's Walk.
Mike Parkes, Dorset Council's ward member for Ferndown, said it would give visitors a "more pleasant and greener experience".
"I am thrilled that some of this work is now starting to take shape. Since the Town Centre Strategy was drawn up in 2017, I've been keen to get elements of the recommendations under way," he added.
Sophie Carpenter from Litter Free Dorset said: "We hope these improvements create a safe space where the community can gather, pollinators can thrive, as well as encourage a sense of pride in Ferndown".
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