Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
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| Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
| Settlement type | Unitary authority |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | England |
| Subdivision type1 | Region |
| Subdivision name1 | South West England |
| Subdivision type2 | Ceremonial county |
| Subdivision name2 | Dorset |
| Established title | Created |
| Established date | 1 April 2019 |
| Seat type | Admin HQ |
| Seat | Bournemouth Town Hall |
| Government type | Unitary authority |
| Leader title | Leadership |
| Leader name | Leader and Cabinet |
| Leader title1 | MPs |
| Leader name1 | Conor Burns, Tobias Ellwood, Michael Tomlinson, Robert Syms |
| Area total km2 | 161.3 |
| Population total | 395,784 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Website | https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of Dorset, formed on 1 April 2019 from the merger of the former Bournemouth and Poole unitary authorities with the non-metropolitan borough of Christchurch. The creation followed a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and a government consultation led by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This new administrative body governs a significant coastal conurbation along the English Channel, known for its major resorts, natural harbours, and important economic role within the South West England region.
History
The area's history is deeply rooted in its constituent towns, with Christchurch Priory standing as a Norman ecclesiastical site of great antiquity. Poole developed as a significant medieval port, its fortunes tied to the Dorset wool trade and later the North American trade, including links to the Newfoundland fishery. In contrast, Bournemouth was a planned Georgian and Victorian resort, founded by Lewis Tregonwell and expanded by the Tapps-Gervis family. Key historical events include the English Civil War siege of Corfe Castle nearby and the area's role as a location for secret preparations for the Normandy landings, notably at Studland Bay. The 20th century saw the development of the Bournemouth International Centre and the growth of Poole Pottery as a notable industry.
Governance
The authority operates under a leader and cabinet model, with its main offices at Bournemouth Town Hall. It is a constituent part of the Dorset ceremonial county for functions such as the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset. The area is represented in the House of Commons by the constituencies of Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West, Poole, and Christchurch, with MPs including Conor Burns and Tobias Ellwood. Local governance also involves parish councils for areas like Broadstone and Ferndown.
Geography
The geography is dominated by a dramatic coastline featuring the iconic Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It encompasses several important natural harbours, including Poole Harbour, one of the largest in the world, and the estuaries of the River Stour and River Avon. Significant green spaces include the Poole Park, the Bournemouth Gardens, and the heathlands of the Canford Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest. The conurbation borders the New Forest to the east and the Purbeck Hills to the west.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Census, the population was approximately 395,784. The area has a slightly older demographic profile than the national average, a characteristic of many South Coast retirement destinations. There are significant student populations associated with Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth. Ethnic diversity has increased in recent decades, with growing communities from across Europe, South Asia, and East Asia.
Economy
The economy is multifaceted, with major sectors including tourism, centred on assets like the Bournemouth Pier and Sandbanks, and the financial services industry, with companies such as J.P. Morgan and Liverpool Victoria having large operational bases. Poole remains an important port for cross-channel freight and passenger services operated by Brittany Ferries. The creative and digital industries are strong, supported by the presence of Bournemouth University's National Centre for Computer Animation. Other notable employers include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution headquarters and the technology company Cobham plc.
Transport
Major road links are provided by the A338 spur connecting to the M27 motorway and the A31 trunk road. The principal railway stations are Bournemouth railway station and Poole railway station, on the South Western Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth. Bournemouth Airport at Hurn offers scheduled flights to numerous European destinations. Local public transport is coordinated by the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and includes the iconic Yellow Buses network.
Culture and landmarks
Cultural landmarks are abundant, from the modern Bournemouth International Centre and the Poole Lighthouse arts centre to historic sites like Compton Acres gardens and Kingston Lacy house. The area is home to professional sports teams including AFC Bournemouth, which plays at the Vitality Stadium, and the Poole Pirates speedway team. Annual events draw large crowds, such as the Bournemouth Air Festival, the Christchurch Food Festival, and the fireworks displays over Poole Harbour. Museums of note include the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and the Waterfront Museum in Poole.