Justification

 The dynamics of modern, individualistic society have caused families and communities to fragment. Smartphones and other technologies have encouraged people to pursue enjoyment at the expense of building useful relationships. Many employers have abdicated responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees and the communities in which they live. Austerity measures have deprived many people of resources or assistance they need to function effectively. These dynamics have contributed to a general decline in mental and physical health. There is a need to provide incentives and opportunities for people to rebuild local connections, develop skills and take responsibility within their communities. 

Poole is particularly fragmented and lacking in facilities. Poole’s town centre contains a number of communities that are separated from each other by the High Street, train lines, road systems or demographic factors. Hamworthy is separated from Poole by a navigable channel with two lifting bridges and the brownfield sites that form the Regeneration Area. Five new developments will be built out on these sites, but no community facilities are currently planned on them even though approximately 2,000 new residential units will be created and the wider area already lacks adequate community space.

Poole is often perceived to be an affluent town, but its wealthier citizens live a considerable distance from the town centre and gravitate either towards Bournemouth or Wimborne. Two communities within Poole town centre and Hamworthy are in the top 5% nationally for multiple indices of high deprivation. The town’s grammar schools deprive the two secondary schools within this area of high performing children and ambitious parents so many young people in the area would benefit from a source of inspiration, motivation and guidance.

There is a lack of space in the area for creative individuals to develop their practices and businesses. Bournemouth’s creative sector is booming, but Poole is lagging behind even though its waterside frontages lend themselves to such activity and the conurbation’s two universities are located within Poole. The waterfront walkway in the Regeneration Area needs activities for visitors to enjoy if it is to meet the Borough of Poole’s aspiration to create a vibrant quayside.