A major regeneration project is transforming land around Hawkwood Road in Boscombe into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The development will deliver 68 council-owned homes for social rent, a purpose-built community centre, Hawkwood Gardens, commercial or health space and a landscaped pedestrian boulevard linking directly with Christchurch Road. Construction is being completed in phases, with the wider programme currently expected to be fully finished by April 2029.
22nd September 2026
One of Bournemouth’s most significant neighbourhood regeneration projects is now taking shape in the centre of Boscombe.
Land around Hawkwood Road is being transformed through a development that combines genuinely affordable housing with community facilities, green space and new connections to the high street.
The project is much more than a collection of new buildings. Its aim is to create a better-connected neighbourhood where homes, businesses and community spaces sit within walking distance of Boscombe’s existing shops and services.
The second phase of the project will deliver 68 new council-owned homes, all available at social rent and managed by BCP Council.
The development will include:
These will be arranged across three residential buildings, with each property having either a balcony or another form of private outdoor space.
Eight homes will meet enhanced accessibility standards, accompanied by appropriate parking provision. The wider development is otherwise being planned as a largely car-free scheme, reflecting its town-centre location close to shops, buses and other services.
The homes have also been designed to meet Passivhaus performance requirements. By limiting heat loss and reducing energy demand, this should make them more efficient and potentially less expensive for residents to heat.
Construction of the housing phase was scheduled to begin in August 2026, with completion currently expected in August 2028.
A purpose-built community centre forms the first phase of the development.
The two-storey building will provide approximately 795 square metres of internal space overlooking the new pedestrian boulevard.
Its facilities are expected to include two large community halls, flexible workshop and studio rooms, a smaller meeting room, a kitchen and a generous reception area capable of operating as a community café.
The centre could be used for creative workshops, health and wellbeing sessions, exhibitions, film screenings, advice services, training programmes and activities delivered by community organisations.
It will also include lift access and accessible facilities throughout. An experienced not-for-profit organisation is expected to be appointed to operate the centre independently.
The building has been designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating solar panels, an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating and fully electric systems.
Construction of this phase is expected to continue until August 2027.
One of the most noticeable changes will be the new pedestrian boulevard connecting Hawkwood Road directly with Christchurch Road.
The wider landscaped route will replace the narrow former alleyways with a brighter connection featuring planting, seating and improved lighting.
Four flexible retail kiosks are planned along the boulevard. These could accommodate artist studios, exhibitions, seasonal retail, food and drink outlets or pop-up businesses.
For Boscombe’s existing high street, this connection could be particularly valuable. Instead of the new development feeling separated behind Christchurch Road, the boulevard is designed to lead residents and visitors between the homes, community centre and established shopping area.
The former WHSmith building at 625 Christchurch Road has already been demolished to create the new route.
The project will also introduce a new public park opposite the community centre.
Hawkwood Gardens is expected to include landscaping, informal play space and a small pavilion that could support activities organised by local groups.
Plans also include secure gates, lighting and CCTV, while surrounding homes will overlook the park to improve natural visibility and help the space feel safer.
The park will be managed by BCP Council’s open-spaces team, with opportunities for residents and community organisations to become involved in its future.
Ground-floor space within the residential development has been designed for potential health or community-focused services.
BCP Council continues to explore options with NHS partners, but a healthcare provider has not yet been confirmed. If an NHS service cannot proceed, the space can instead accommodate another appropriate commercial or community-focused use.
This flexibility allows the housing development to move forward without relying upon a health provider being secured first.
The Hawkwood Road programme is supported by more than £13.2 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and forms part of the wider Bournemouth Towns Fund investment in Boscombe.
Combined external funding connected with the scheme has reached approximately £17.3 million, including support secured through Homes England.
Alongside new homes and facilities, the development is expected to support around 100 temporary construction jobs and create longer-term opportunities within its community and commercial spaces.
The wider programme is currently expected to be fully completed by April 2029.
For Boscombe, its importance lies in bringing several different improvements together. Affordable homes are being built alongside green space, community facilities and opportunities for small businesses, with a new route integrating everything into the existing town centre.
If delivered successfully, the result will not simply be a development behind the high street. It will become a new part of Boscombe designed to strengthen and connect the community already around it.
Find official plans and construction updates through the Better Boscombe Hawkwood Road project.
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