In a day-long online awards ceremony, 54 winners were announced for the Dorset Tourism Awards 2021/22, with three more to be revealed in May, when winners and sponsors gather at the Sculpture by the Lakes in Pallington, which won gold, silver and bronze at this year’s event.
The judges found many examples of excellence, innovation and resilience applied by Dorset businesses as they worked their way over one hurdle after another, with many becoming significant contributors to the efforts from the county to support key workers.
Judges’ chairman, Professor Peter Jones, said: ‘The tourism industry has seen the very lows of lockdown and the highs of holiday enquiries. What this year’s judging showed is how resilient, creative and innovative tourism businesses in Dorset need to be to survive. They work hard to overcome setbacks and showcase the excellence that Dorset tourism offers to all of its visitors.
Find more details on dorsettourismawards.org.uk
The Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth has won three gold medals: Dog Friendly Business, Large Hotel of the Year and Business Events Venue of the Year. Treacle the dog with Business Development Manager Jane Swift and Managing Director Rosie Wallace
– Credit: marshamcourthotel.co.uk
DORSET TOURISM AWARDS 2021/22 sponsored by Quality in Tourism
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARDsponsored by Bournemouth University: Gold – Ellwood Cottages Blandford Forum.
SPECIAL APPRENTICESHIP PRIZEsponsored by NFU Mutual Wessex: will be announced in May.
B&B AND COTTAGE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Goadsby: Gold – St John’s Guest House, Weymouth; Silver – Canal View Bed and Breakfast, Weymouth.
One of the bedrooms at St John’s Guest House in Weymouth – winner of B&B and Guest House of the Year
– Credit: stjohnsguesthouse.co.uk
BUSINESS EVENTS AND WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Furleigh Estate: Wedding Venue of the Year – Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch; Business Events Venue of the Year – Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth.
Highcliffe Castle, once the home of Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridges in London, has won the award for wedding venue of the year
– Credit: 2021 Phil Jackson/ Harbor View Photography
CAFE/TEA ROOM OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Clipper: Gold – Picnic Park Deli, Bournemouth; Silver-Tangerine Cafe & Gallery, Beaminster; Bronze – EBIKE Cafe @Deheers, Weymouth; Congratulations – Break Cat Cafe, Bournemouth.
CAMPING & CARAVANING PARK OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Anytime Booking: Gold – Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth; Silver – South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Dorchester; Bronze – Higher Moor Farm Campsite, Weymouth.
Monkton Wyld Holiday Park in West Dorset, Campsite and Caravan Park of the Year
– Credit: Neil Bigwood/ monktonwyld.co.uk
PRICE OF RELAXED MEAL AND RESTAURANT, sponsored by Furleigh Estate: Gold – The Station Kitchen, Bridport; Silver – Nicetta, Weymouth; Bronze – Shalims Indian Restaurant, Weymouth.
The Station Kitchen in West Bay – with its award-winning restaurant inside a former WWI hospital carriage – winner of the Restaurant and Casual Dining category
– Credit: thestationkitchen.co.uk
DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Pear Marketing: Gold – Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; Silver – Burnbake Forest Campsite and Lodges, Corfe Castle; Congratulations – Polygon Pets Ltd, Poole.
ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD, sponsored by Bournemouth Water: Gold – West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport; Silver – Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster; Congratulations – Naked Coffee, Bournemouth
EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR (ACTIVE OR APPRENTICESHIP), sponsored by Saffery Champness: Gold – All Hallows’ Farmhouse Cookery School, Wimborne St Giles; Silver – Jurassic Coast Guides, Milborne St Andrew; Bronze – Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth.
The Astronomer’s Shepherd’s Hut at Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster – Glamping Business of the Year
– Credit: dorsetforestgardenglamping.co.uk
GLAMPING COMPANY OF THE YEAR, sponsored by NFU Mutual Wessex: Gold – Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster; Silver – The Yurt at Hollands Farmhouse, Dorchester; Bronze – At Goathill Farm, Sherborne.
HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Tozers: Gold: Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport; Silver – Golden Cap Holiday Park, Chideock; Bronze – Waterside Holiday Park & Spa, Weymouth; Congratulations – Durdle Door Holiday Park.
Bird’s eye view of the award-winning Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport – Holiday Park of the Year
– Credit: wdlh.co.uk/James Loveridge
GRAND HOTEL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Hotel Perfect: Gold – Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; Silver – Holiday Inn Bournemouth; Bronze – RNLI College, Poole; Congratulations – Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Weymouth.
GREAT ATTRACTION OF VISITORS OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Love To Visit: Gold – Moors Valley Country Park and Forest; Silver – Dorset Museum, Dorchester; Congratulations – Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch.
Moors Valley Country Park & Forest in the east of the county won major tourist attraction
– Credit: moors-valley.co.uk
NEW TOURIST COMPANY AWARD, sponsored by Visit Dorset: Gold – Carey’s Secret Garden, Wareham; Silver – The King’s Arms, Dorchester; Bronze – At Goathill Farm, Sherborne; Congratulations – Apex Expeditions, Poundbury.
Click here to read our review of The King’s Arms in Dorchester
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DORSET TOURISMSponsored by Darren Northeast PR: To be announced in May.
Carey’s Secret Garden – a magical walled garden near Wareham – has won the award for new tourist business of the year
– Credit: careyssecretgarden.co.uk
BAR OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Dorset Food & Drink: Gold – The Acorn Inn, Evershot; Silver – The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury; Bronze – The Keys to the Cross, Sherborne.
RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION AWARD, sponsored by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Tourism: Gold – Weymouth Bay RIB Charter; Silver – Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth; Bronze – Sculpture by the Lakes.
SELF-CURRENT HOUSING OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Touch Stay: Gold – Spring Cottage, Wareham; Silver – Greenwood Grange Holidays, Dorchester; Bronze – Frog by the Sea, Chideock.
SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Clockwork Marketing: Gold – The Pig on the Beach, Studland; Silver – The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne; Bronze – The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury.
LITTLE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Resort Dorset: Gold – Nothe Fort, Weymouth; Silver – Sculpture by the lakes; Bronze – West Bay Discovery Center; Congratulations – Bridport Museum Trust.
TOURIST EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEARsponsored by Dorset Magazine: Gold: FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition at Sculpture by the Lakes.
Christine Hughes of Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, winner of the Unsung Hero Award
– Credit: Moors Valley Country Park
UNKNOWN HERO AWARD, sponsored by Sculpture by the Lakes: Gold – Christine Hughes, Moors Valley Country Park; Silver – Mick Callaghan, Bournemouth Electric Club.
VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Yellow Buses: Gold – West Bay Discovery Center.
WINNER OF WINNERS. sponsored by Dorset LEP: To be announced in May.
Click here to find 20 famous filming locations in Dorset
]]>Public Health Dorset (PHD) asks residents how they are using local chemists to shape service delivery for the future.
The results will form part of a pharmaceutical needs assessment for Dorset – PHD would like to know how people obtain prescription drugs, buy medicines or health products and/or get advice about a health condition or problem.
“We would really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to answer a few questions about pharmacy services – your views are important to us,” a PHD spokesperson said.
“Your responses will inform the development of the NAP, a statement of local people’s needs for pharmacy services, which will then be subject to formal consultation later in 2022.”
The information is collected by Public Health Dorset on behalf of Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Health and Welfare Councils. Responses will be stored securely in accordance with GDPR regulations. The results of this questionnaire will be published as part of the draft NAP for consultation.
To take the online survey, go to orlo.uk/r6qzU
If you would like more information or an alternative format, please contact [email protected] or 01305 224 400.
The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings due to expected ‘damaging and disruptive’ winds which could pose a threat to life.
A number of councils today suspended bin collection over fears for the safety of staff and residents, including Bristol and Dorset Councils and Newport and Southampton Borough Councils.
Newport leader Jane Mudd said: ‘This has been described as a historic event and is potentially the strongest storm in 30 years.
“For this reason, we are suspending some services and closing some of our buildings.
“It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.”
Other measures taken by the councils include the closure of leisure and tourism facilities, the suspension of street cleaning, the closure of recycling centers and the suspension of school bus services.
Many councils, including Bristol City Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Somerset CC, also closed schools for the day.
Local Government Association environment spokesman Cllr David Renard said: “Council staff continue to work around the clock to keep residents, homes and businesses safe, strengthen defenses against floods and protect road networks and power supplies as much as possible.’
]]>This is the moment a ‘beautiful’ £1million house is razed to the ground in an act described as ‘scandalous’ by neighbours.
The family home in the Canford Cliffs suburb of Poole, Dorset, was built as recently as 1998 – but was demolished by diggers less than 25 years later despite protests from local residents.
A developer had bought the property, near Sandbanks Millionaire’s Row, in the spring of 2021 after it was listed with an indicative price of just under £1million.
They then secured planning permission to demolish it and squeeze two four-bedroom houses worth £1.25million each on the same plot, meaning a potential profit of £1.5million – minus the cost of construction.
The detached freehold property had previously sold for £445,000 in February 2000, according to property website Zoopla.
A drastic shortage of high-end housing in the local real estate market is driving up prices, which means important houses with large gardens built in the 1980s and 1990s are targeted.
Developers want to cram two or three expensive modern builds onto plots that had been used for spacious family homes.
The family home in the Canford Cliffs suburb of Poole, Dorset, was built as recently as 1998 – but was demolished by diggers less than 25 years later despite objections from local residents.
Residents who had opposed plans to demolish what would be many people’s dream home expressed frustration at seeing it destroyed.
Peter Norrie, who lives nearby, said: ‘It is truly outrageous that such a beautiful house built only over 20 years ago is being demolished in this way.
“To be replaced with two new detached houses which do not match the character or symmetry of the other houses on Compton Avenue and will be crushed on the same site only to bring in two council tax amounts.”
Neighbor Chris Cotterell said: ‘They are demolishing a building in perfect condition to install two. There seems to be a lot going on and if that’s the local authority’s strategy there’s not much you can do.
Pictured: plans for the two new houses to be built on the Canford Cliffs site. The red dotted line represents the demolished property
“There seems to be a policy that wherever they can they tear down one property and build two. Years ago the plots were bigger but they are starting to squeeze the properties and it is getting tighter and tighter.
Meanwhile, local residents are fighting to preserve four protected trees on the same site which must be felled as part of the development.
Despite being subject to tree preservation orders, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council have approved plans to have the mature Monterey cypress trees killed.
Residents have appealed the decision to the local government ombudsman and hope nothing will happen until the watchdog issues a final decision.
A developer had obtained planning permission to demolish the property, near the millionaire’s row of Sandbanks, and squeeze two four-bedroom houses worth £1.25million each onto the same plot
Residents who had opposed plans to demolish what would be many people’s dream home have expressed frustration at seeing it destroyed
Mr Norrie, a 64-year-old retired banker, said: “In relation to the four trees at the very bottom of the garden, I have a complaint registered with the local government ombudsman which is due in six to eight weeks.
“The Chief Executive of BCP Council and the Head of Planning are fully aware of this complaint and that until judgment the four trees must not be touched.
“We do not want a repeat of the fiasco and illegal felling of 36 protected trees at Parkstone Golf Club within 400 yards in December 2018 which the BCP Council has yet to prosecute the culprit.”
Mr Cotterell added: “Our main concern is that they are planning to cut down four mature trees that are at least 60 years old and appear to be in perfect health as they need a larger footprint for the two houses. “
“They are so strict about other landowners pruning trees, but it seems to be a different law for the local authority.”
A spokesperson for Charlew Developments, which is carrying out the work, said: ‘We have obtained full permission for everything we do there. We do not violate any regulations.
“The proposal presents a contemporary style design of high quality but with a traditional form, which creates two striking individual dwellings.”
They added that both properties will make a positive contribution to construction and the natural environment.
]]>The impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which halted house sales during the first lockdown, coupled with stamp duty holidays, has boosted the housing market across the UK since the world reopened in 2020.
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the median house price reached £325,000 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the year to June, an increase of £45,000 on previous 12 months.
House prices were also above pre-pandemic levels, averaging £280,000 for the year to June 2019.
The median – the middle number in a series – is used to ensure that the numbers are not skewed by extreme highs or lows.
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READ MORE: Time Machine Home on the market for £3.2million
These areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recorded the highest median house prices of the year to June:
– Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks: £588,000 – from £505,000 in 2019-20
– Talbot and Branksome Woods: £548,000 – previously £488,000
– Parkstone: £485,000 – an increase from £395,000
– East Southbourne and Hengistbury Head: £480,000 – down from £384,000
– Mudeford: £475,000 – down from £425,000 previously
By contrast, the area with the lowest average house price was Boscombe West, where homes sold for around £175,000 in 2020-21.
Figures also show the number of homes sold in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole rose year-on-year from 6,047 to 7,324.
The largest proportion was in Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks, where 388 houses changed hands during the period.
Martin Beck, chief economic adviser at the economic forecasting group EY Item Club, said while government measures such as the suspension of stamp duties boosted home purchases last year, the market could be set to change. .
He said: “The prospect of a series of interest rate hikes by the Bank of England in 2022 will result in higher mortgage rates.
“And the cost of living pressures facing households from rising inflation and higher taxes mean that fewer people will be able to afford to borrow the amount needed to buy at higher mortgage rates.”
Nicky Stevenson, chief executive of estate agent group Fine & Country, said with most agents still struggling to find enough homes to meet demand, financial pressures were unlikely to have a “significant” impact on the market. Marlet.
The Dorset Tourism Awards have revealed 54 winners, with three more to be announced at an in-person event in May.
The awards, in their ninth year, recognized pubs, cafes, restaurants, activities and accommodation. Organizers said many attendees also found time to become “significant contributors” to efforts to support key workers and those in difficulty.
Deborah Heather, of title sponsor Quality in Tourism, said: “In another challenging year, we see the caliber of Dorset Awards entrants and finalists continue to improve. It’s impressive to see the creativity and innovation in this industry.
“I am both humbled and immensely proud of the industry and wish everyone the best for the awards and for 2022.”
Judges’ chairman, Professor Peter Jones, said: ‘Over the past two years the tourism industry has seen the lows of lockdown and the highs of holiday enquiries, all in the same year.
“What this year’s judging has shown is how resilient, creative and innovative tourism businesses in Dorset need to be to survive. As this year’s winners have shown, they work exceptionally hard to overcome setbacks and showcase the excellence that Dorset tourism offers to all its visitors.
Amanda Park, Head of Tourism Development at Visit Dorset, said: “We are delighted to support the awards which celebrate the variety and quality of Dorset’s tourism businesses and showcase their hard work and achievements.
“As a sponsor of the New Business category, it’s fantastic to see the industry continue to grow and develop despite the challenges of the past two years.”
David Bailey, Chairman of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Destination Management Board, said: “It is important that we celebrate and recognize the quality of our tourism and hospitality offering which makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
Organizer Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism, said: ‘I have been truly impressed with the ability of tourism businesses in Dorset to both innovate and give back. I take my hat off to you all.
The winners were as follows.
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (sponsor: Bournemouth University): Ellwood Cottages, Blandford.
B&B and Guesthouse of the Year (Goadsby): Gold St John’s Guest House, Weymouth; Silver Channel View Guesthouse, Weymouth.
Business events and wedding venue (Furleigh Estate): Gold Business Events Venue Marsham Court Hotel. Golden Wedding Venue Highcliffe Castle.
Coffee/tea room (Clipper): Gold, Picnic Park Deli, Bournemouth; silver, Tangerine Café & Gallery, Beaminster; bronze, EBIKE Cafe, Weymouth; praised Break Cat Café, Bournemouth.
Camping and caravan park (Book anytime): Gold, Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth; silver, South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Poole; bronze, Higher Moor Farm Campsite, Weymouth.
Casual dining and restaurant (Furleigh Estate): Gold, The Station Kitchen, Bridport; silver, Nicetta, Weymouth; bronze, Shalims Indian Restaurant, Weymouth.
Company accepting dogs (Pear Marketing): Gold, Marsham Court Hotel; Silver, Burnbake Campsite and Forest Lodges, Corfe Castle; felicity, Polygon Pets Ltd, Poole.
Ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism (Bournemouth Water): Gold, West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport; silver, Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster; felicity, Naked Coffee, Bournemouth.
Experience of the year, active or in apprenticeship (Saffery Champness): Gold, All Hallows’ Farmhouse Cookery School, Wimborne St Giles; guides to the Jurassic Silver Coast, Milborne St Andrew; bronze, Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth.
Glamping business (NFU Mutual Wessex): Gold, Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster; silver, The Yurt at Hollands Farmhouse, Dorchester; bronze, At Goathill Farm, Sherborne.
holiday park (Tozers): Gold, Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport; Silver, Golden Cap Holiday Park, Chideock; bronze, Waterside Holiday Park & Spa, Weymouth; felicity, Durdle Door Holiday Park, Lulworth.
big hotel (Hotel Perfect): Gold, Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; silver, Holiday Inn Bournemouth; bronze, RNLI College, Poole; felicity, Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Weymouth.
Great tourist attraction (Love to visit): Gold, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ashley Heath; silver, Dorset Museum, Dorchester; bliss, Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch.
New tourism business (Visit Dorset): Gold, Carey’s Secret Garden, Wareham; silver, the arms of the king, Dorchester; bronze, At Goathill Farm, Sherborne; felicity, Apex Expeditions, Poundbury.
ad of the year (sponsored by Dorset Food & Drink): Gold, The Acorn Inn, Evershot; silver, The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury; bronze, The Keys to the Cross, Sherborne.
Resilience and innovation (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Tourism): Gold, Weymouth Bay RIB Charter; Silver, Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth; bronze, Sculpture at the Lakes, Pallington.
Self-catering accommodation (Touch Stay): Gold, Spring Cottage, Wareham; silver, Greenwood Grange Holidays, Dorchester; bronze, Frog by the sea, Chideock.
small hotel (Mechanical Marketing): Gold, The PIG-on the Beach, Studland; silver, The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne; bronze, The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury.
Small tourist attraction (Dorset Resort): Gold, Nothe Fort, Weymouth; silver, Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington; bronze, West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport; felicity, Bridport Museum Trust.
Tourism Event/Festival (Dorset Magazine): Finalists, FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition: Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington.
unsung hero (Sculpture by the lakes): Christine Hughes, Moors Valley Country Park; silver, Mick Callaghan, Bournemouth Electric Club.
The winners of Special apprenticeship price (sponsored by NFU Mutual Bournemouth), Outstanding Contribution to Dorset Tourism (sponsored by Darren Northeast PR) and winner of winners (Dorset LEP) will be announced in May when the winners and sponsors gather at Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester.
Tesla presented plans on January 19 to convert the New Road site, Ferndown, into a large showroom and service center with electric vehicle superchargers.
If approved, the site would be the first Tesla Supercharger in Dorset.
Visual proposals include the option of installing a lighted totem at the entrance to the site, fabric banners on new masts, side elevation mounted load panels and more.
The plans also show customer parking, a wash bay and charging stations.
Plans for a Tesla Supercharger service station in Ferndown. Photo: Tesla Council/Dorset
The current Porsche Center moved the short distance from New Road to Ferndown Industrial Estate last year due to the requirement for more space, leaving the old site empty despite objection from the town council which had issues noise and ecology.
The idea of a Tesla service center has already drawn praise from residents. Nigel Stockley commented: “Support this wholeheartedly. Excellent use of the former Porsche site and provides the local community with a much needed and requested facility as the nearest is currently Winchester and an 80 mile round trip.
A resident on social media was equally thrilled. They said: “This will make it easier to visit the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas and could help increase visitor numbers and local tourism. Local residents typically charge from home, but faster chargers are always welcome, and some Tesla locations are even opening up to non-Tesla vehicles.
Plans for a Tesla Supercharger service station in Ferndown. Photo: Tesla Council/Dorset
“This sales hub will likely help make the South Coast one of the most EV-dense areas in the country and that’s just awesome.”
The need for larger electric vehicle installations was reinforced in November 2020, as part of the government’s environmental plans. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2030 and that all new cars and vans will be zero emissions by 2035.
Members of the public can comment on the plans until Thursday, February 17. The application can be found on Dorset Council’s planning website by searching P/ADV/2022/00351.
Average prices increased by 1.5% across the metropolitan area, which saw house prices in the area reach annual growth of 9.3%.
The average house price in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in November was £321,230, according to Land Registry figures, an increase of 1.5% on October.
Over the past year the average selling price of a property in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has risen by £27,000, putting the area 24th out of 29 local authorities in the South West with price data for annual growth.
The region’s best annual growth was recorded in South Hams, where house prices rose by an average of 24.3% to £431,000. At the other end of the scale, properties in Bath and North East Somerset gained just 5.2% in value, to an average price of £378,000.
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Owners of detached homes saw the biggest improvement in house prices in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in November – they rose 2%, to £541,946 on average – rising 11.7% over last year .
Among other types of goods:
Semi-detached properties rose 1.6 months, an increase of 11.1% per year and an average price of £342,851.
Terraced houses have risen by 1.2% per month – an increase of 9% per year and again priced at around £277,160 on average.
Apartments saw the slowest growth, up 1.1% month-on-month and 6.4% year-on-year – at an average price of £205,641.
First-time buyers in the conurbation spent an average of £247,000 on their property, £19,000 more than a year ago and £38,000 more than November 2016.
By comparison, former homeowners paid £367,000 on average in November, 48.6% more than first-time buyers.
The most expensive properties in the South West were in the Cotswold – £487,000 on average, and 1.5 times more than in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Properties in the Cotswolds cost 2.4 times more than houses in Plymouth (£207,000 on average), at the other end of the scale.
The highest house prices in the UK were in Kensington and Chelsea.
Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (and beyond) will have noticed the giant crane which is currently in place at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) hospital site.
Along with the main hospitals in Poole and Dorchester, the RBH serves residents of both Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset Council. The site has a large A&E department as well as numerous specialist facilities.
In addition to this the hospital is placed next to a main A road through the county, the A338, it is adjacent to a large Tesco store and opposite the council run leisure facility, the Littledown .
Read more: Five chicest villages in Dorset, all with chocolate box appeal
There are a series of developments taking place on the site and in order to keep to the hospital plans a large crane has been put in place. So what is the crane doing there and what improvements are taking place in the hospital?
The crane was recently installed at the BEACH Building site currently under construction. In a letter sent to local residents of the area, Debbie Fleming, chief executive of Dorset University Hospitals, confirmed the purpose of the work.
“The project is part of a comprehensive £250million reorganization of NHS services in Dorset. It will see RBH become the main center for urgent care, while Poole Hospital will at the same time become the main planned treatment center in the area.The program will see the construction of The BEACH building (for Births, Emergency care, And, Critical care and child Health), housing a new emergency department, a maternity and pediatric unit and a intensive care.
“Further developments include a purpose-built pathology center offering modern and flexible testing capacity. Construction work is already underway with completion scheduled for 2024.”
The letter goes on to say that the development uses considerate construction crews who will ensure that there is no “undue disturbance, inconvenience or stress to neighbors during the construction period – for example, by minimizing the impact of deliveries, parking and works on any public road as well as ensuring that most work is carried out during working hours.”
BEACH stands for Births, Emergency Care, Et, Intensive Care and Child Health
The area covered by the building is 23,000 m2 over six floors, the equivalent of 115 tennis courts
When completed, the BEACH building will contain: a new emergency department, a brand new maternity and pediatric unit, a new intensive care unit with a capacity of up to 30 beds and a purpose-built pathology center
Work on the site began in March 2021.
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More from Dorset Live:
Property portal, MoveStreets, has released new data that reveals how the notoriety factor can boost property prices by up to 117% when it comes to areas frequented by the rich and famous.
What the research found
MoveStreets analyzed the average house price in postcodes popular with celebrities in four areas of the UK property market and how they compared it to the wider local authority to see how a celebrity hotspot affects prices real estate.
The study shows that outcodes that are home to a high level of celebrity activity command an average house price of £971,052, which is 49% higher than the Greater Area average.
Prime House Prices
However, this premium reaches a whopping 116% in Westminster’s Mayfair. A favorite haunt of London celebrities, the average house price in Mayfair postcodes is £2.2million, £1.2million more than the average house price in the borough of Westminster .
On the south coast, the Sandbanks in Poole have become popular for celebrities living in the area, as well as those looking for a holiday home. The exclusive property peninsula is considerably more affordable than Mayfair, but still commands an average property price of £632,637, 101% higher than the wider average of £317,588 found in Poole.
Cheshire’s Golden Triangle is arguably the North’s best-known celebrity hotspot and Wilmslow (73%), Alderley Edge (73%) and Prestbury (43%) all command impressive house price premiums compared to the wider Cheshire East average.
Knightsbridge in London is also home to a steep house price premium, the awareness factor, with houses costing 38% more than the overall average.
Areas devoid of stellar power
Unfortunately, the TOWIE and Made in Chelsea effect doesn’t seem as appealing to homebuyers. While popular celebrity postcodes in Brentwood command a premium over the wider area, this increase stands at only 8%, while King’s Road commands only a 4% increase over the wider borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Adam Kamani, Managing Director and Co-Founder of MoveStreets, said: “It makes sense that those who make a living by being seen will only do so in the best places and therefore any area popular with celebrities is likely to be at home to the best bars, restaurants and the highest property prices.”
Kamani continued, “So if you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous in your daily life, you’ll have to save up longer, because any house near a celebrity hotspot is likely to cost you just a bit more.”
|
Zoned |
Exit code/s |
Average off-code property price |
local authority |
Municipal real estate prices |
Fame Factor Bonus £ |
Fame factor bonus % |
|
Mayfair |
W1 |
£2,174,492 |
westminster |
£1,004,433 |
£1,170,059 |
116% |
|
Sandbanks, Poole |
BH13 |
£632,637 |
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
£315,049 |
£317,588 |
101% |
|
Wilmslow |
SK9 |
£464,763 |
East Cheshire |
£269,108 |
£195,655 |
73% |
|
Edge of Alderley |
SK9 |
£464,763 |
East Cheshire |
£269,108 |
£195,655 |
73% |
|
Prestbury |
SK10 |
£384,888 |
East Cheshire |
£269,108 |
£115,780 |
43% |
|
Knightsbridge |
SW1/SW3/SW7 |
£1,675,343 |
Westminster/Kensington and Chelsea |
£1,214,935 |
£460,408 |
38% |
|
Brentwood |
CM13/CM14/CM15 |
£483,755 |
Brentwood |
£449,720 |
£34,035 |
8% |
|
King’s Road, Chelsea |
SW3/SW10 |
1,487,775 |
Kensington and Chelsea |
£1,425,437 |
£62,337 |
4% |
|
Medium |
£971,052 |
Medium |
£652,112 |
£318,940 |
49% |
|
