Heritage Strategy

Help shape a Heritage Strategy for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Our area has a rich and varied heritage. This includes historic buildings and streets, parks and landscapes, coast and countryside, museums and collections, as well as local stories, traditions and everyday places that matter to people.

For the first time we have brought all of this together into one document - a draft Heritage Strategy for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Before anything is finalised, we would like to hear what you think.

Why we need a Heritage Strategy

A Heritage Strategy helps us to take a joined up approach to heritage across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

It helps us to

Protect important buildings, places and landscapes
Look after sites that are at risk of decline
Support pride in place and local identity
Guide planning, regeneration and investment
Work more closely with communities, volunteers and partners
Support bids for external funding
Use heritage to support wellbeing, education and the local economy

Without a clear strategy, it can be harder to make consistent decisions or plan for the long term.

People standing outdoors at a public event hold a large, brightly coloured fabric sheet above their heads. Several people are gathered close together underneath and around the fabric, wearing coats. The fabric is multicoloured with pink, green and yellow tones, and stretches across the group, creating a canopy effect. Other people are visible in the background on a grassy area with trees and a tent.

Black and white photo of an adult and three children at the water’s edge on a beach, with a pier and boats in the background.

What the draft strategy sets out

The draft strategy explains

What heritage means in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Why it matters to our communities
What makes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole special
Our vision, priorities and key actions
How we work with communities, volunteers and partners
How we plan to measure progress

It takes a broad view of heritage. This includes well‑known historic sites, but also everyday places, lived experience, culture, nature and community stories.

What we think is important

In the draft strategy, we say heritage should be

Valued and cared for
As accessible to everyone as possible
Relevant to local communities
Managed responsibly for the future
Part of how we plan and shape places

These ideas are not fixed. They are here to be explored and shaped with your input.

We want your views

This consultation is your chance to share your views on heritage in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

We would like to understand

what heritage means to you
what places, stories or traditions you value most
what you think should be protected or given greater focus
whether the vision, aims and priorities of the Heritage Strategy feel right for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

We are keen to hear wider views on heritage in addition to your views on the draft strategy. Your feedback will help shape the final Heritage Strategy so it reflects the people, places and communities of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

How to take part

There are a few ways you can share your views:

complete the online survey
Pick up a paper copy from a BCP library
Download and return a copy
Attend a drop-in event at:

Highcliffe Castle

Monday 10 August

10am to 2pm

Bournemouth Library

Monday 17 August

10am to 2pm

Poole Museum

Monday 24 August

10am to 2pm

Your completed form can be returned using the Have Your Say box in any BCP Library or by post to:

Heritage Strategy Consultation, Research & Consultation Team, BCP Council Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 6DY

We:

BCP Council

Want to understand the views of:

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Residents
Local businesses
Community organisations
Visitors

About:

local heritage and what's important to you

Why:

So that we can understand what matters most to people and help safeguard and celebrate our rich heritage across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for future generations.

Outcome:

A new Heritage Strategy for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, informed by the views shared through this consultation.

Dates:

7 August 2026 - 6 September 2026