A FORMER WHSmith is to be demolished in January as part of major plans to regenerate a town centre.
The Boscombe store in Christchurch Road closed in June to make way for significant changes in the Hawkwood Road area.
Funded from the government’s Towns Fund scheme, a spokesman for Boscombe Regeneration confirmed work will begin early next year.
Read more
- Council 'fully committed' to Boscombe regeneration
- Car park to close in January ahead of major development plans
He said: “We're thrilled to announce that the former WHSmith building will be demolished in January 2025 to make way for a brand-new walkway.”
This will allow for the high street to be connected to Hawkwood Road, providing improved pedestrian access with a “spacious, well-lit boulevard”.
Also that month, BCP Council will close Hawkwood Road’s smaller car park (behind WHSmith) for the work and, soon after the, the main car park will be lost.
Just 51 car parking spaces will be left – a loss of 377 parking spaces, as the area will have flats, a medical centre and community centre built on the land.
A spokesman for WHSmith said the decision to close the shop was because of the expiration of its lease, adding it was no longer sustainable to trade from Christchurch Road.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel