Hello Poole!

It’s a big week across town – from a £6 million boost for Poole’s bridges to the reopening of one Poole’s oldest buildings (we popped down for a coffee and a look around – it’s beautiful!).

We’re also diving into the future of the Civic Centre, celebrating BCP’s green credentials, and getting ready for Poole Harbour Festival – three days of music and fun at Baiter Park.

If you're after culture, community or just great events this summer – it’s all in this week’s issue. Dive in 👇

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🏛 Scaplen’s Court Big Summer Reopening

We popped down to newly restored Scaplen’s Court on Saturday and it’s looking brilliant. We grabbed a coffee in the new Salt Pig Café and wandered through the building and gardens and the restoration is genuinely impressive.

It’s now fully accessible for the first time ever, with year-round garden access, new events spaces, and a platform lift installed in the oldest part of the building.

Expect art workshops, behind-the-scenes tours and creative storytelling sessions throughout the summer, all while the rest of the Poole Museum gets ready for its grand reopening this autumn. We’ll let you know the details of the upcoming events as soon as we get them, but some are available to book on their website now.

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🛠 £6M Boost for Twin Sails & Poole Bridge

Good news for anyone who uses Poole’s bridges: BCP Council has approved a £6 million investment to upgrade both the Twin Sails and Poole Bridge.

The work includes corrosion repairs, repainting, and a redesigned lifting mechanism to reduce breakdowns. The bridges see 20,000+ crossings a day, so keeping them reliable is crucial.

The upgrades will be funded entirely through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) — meaning no cost to Council Tax payers.

Four new digital info panels will also be installed to provide real-time updates with fewer outages. Work starts this year and will continue over the next three years.

This investment reflects a serious commitment to keeping Poole connected — and moving.

🏗 Poole Civic Centre Sale Update

BCP Council wants to sell the Poole Civic Centre to private developers for £5.25m and it’s sparked debate across the town.

The building is no longer in active use, but some fear we’re losing a key part of Poole’s civic identity. The recommended sale is a full site transfer to MCR Property Group, with no guaranteed public space. The full site includes the multi-storey car park and the Civic Centre Annex.

There’s an option to rent back an area of the building, known as the “vertical slice” which contains the civic function rooms. These are currently used by the Charter Trustees for Poole’s Civic Functions, which MCR would be willing to rent back at a cost of £17 per square foot.

The final decision is due at Full Council on Tuesday 22 July (today)

🎸 Live Music Weekends Hit Poole Quay

Poole Quay is getting a soundtrack this summer! Starting Saturday 26 July, Summer Sounds will bring live music to the harbourside every weekend through to the end of August.

From midday to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday, local musicians will perform at various spots along the Quay — creating a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The idea was sparked by Anna Doyle (formerly of The Lord Nelson) and Michelle Smith (The Poole Arms), with backing from Poole BID.

Expect chilled tunes, sunshine vibes and a proper community feel. Summer Sounds is a perfect excuse to head down to the quay and enjoy the music.

🛝 Have your say on Poole’s play areas

Got kids? Love your local park? Now’s the time to speak up: BCP Council is running a consultation to shape the future of play across our area.

The Plan for Play is a huge project to revamp over 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with major refurbishments, replacements and even brand-new spaces on the cards.

From now until 24 August, you can share your views on what’s needed to make our parks more fun, inclusive and accessible for everyone. There’ll also be in-person events across the area.

Cllr Millie Earl says the aim is to co-create play spaces with communities so that local families have a real stake in their success.

The Council wants to hear directly from parents, carers and kids. What’s missing? What works well? What would your dream play area look like?

🗓️ Deadline: 24 August 2025
👉 Have your say: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/plan-for-play

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

We’re sorry! We completely messed this up last week and didn’t give you the correct link! So here it is again, but this time it will show you the right house.
Want to own one of the few properties available at RSPB Arne with sea views and a beach for a next door neighbour? You’ll really want to check this one out:👉 View the property

🌊 Green light for Poole’s new flood defences

A major new flood defence scheme for Poole has been given the go-ahead — with £29.4 million now secured to protect the town from rising sea levels for the next 100 years.

The project will cover a 1.5km stretch from Poole Bridge to Hunger Hill, the last stretch of waterfront in the town centre without tidal protection. Over 2,000 homes and businesses are expected to be at risk by the end of the century, so this work is considered essential.

Construction begins with the section alongside Holes Bay Path in August 2025 and is expected to take five months. When complete, the new defences will help unlock future development in the West Quays area, bringing the promise of new homes, businesses and public waterfront spaces.

It’s been a long time coming. But with funding now in place from the Environment Agency and BCP Council, the ambition for a more flood-resilient Poole is finally becoming a reality.

More info: www.twobays.net

🌿 BCP Becomes UK’s First ‘Nature Towns’

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have officially been recognised as the UK’s first “Nature Towns” by Natural England, the National Trust, and the Lottery Heritage Fund.

With over 2,500 hectares of natural space, 170+ play areas, and 19 scientific interest sites, the area stood out for its green credentials and access to nature.

From goats grazing Canford Heath to blossom trees blooming along new green routes, BCP’s approach blends innovation with restoration.

It’s not just a badge of honour — the status opens the door to future investment in green infrastructure, especially in areas with fewer parks and trees.

Great news for Poole residents and anyone who values clean air, open space, and nature on their doorstep.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. BCP area to trial higher parking fines in August pilot – Bournemouth One

2. AFC Bournemouth Vitality Stadium plans go on show - BBC News

3. Poole farmer donates £8,800 to hospital in wife’s memory – Bournemouth One

🎤 Poole Harbour Festival Returns!

Poole’s biggest homegrown festival is back from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, and this year’s line-up is massive.

Expect a weekend of live music, street food, and family fun as UB40, Feeder, Happy Mondays, and over 60 acts take over Baiter Park.

There’s something for everyone: kids' entertainers, circus skills, DJs like Judge Jules and Woody Cook, plus local legends including Mischa & the Merry Many and Lady Winwood’s Maggot.

It’s the biggest year yet for this much-loved local festival.

📍 Baiter Park
🎟 Tickets: www.pooleharbourfestival.com

🎶 Madalitso Band Comes to Bournemouth!

Patch is hosting a rare and special evening of music, film and conversation with the incredible Madalitso Band on Thursday 14 August. The Malawian duo, famous for their joyful, foot-stomping sound, are celebrating a landmark year with a brand-new album, European tour, and upcoming documentary The Banjo Boys.

The event includes a short film screening, Q&A hosted by Stuart Marshall from Success on the South Coast, and a live performance that promises to lift the roof.

📍 Patch, 2–12 Commercial Road, Bournemouth
🕕 Doors open 6pm | Event runs 6:30–9:30pm

Book now

What’s on this week in (and around) Poole

Tuesday

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
See the winner of Bike of the Night, plus live music and entertainment.

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

Wednesday

Poole Pirates vs Workington Comets, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
Speedway action as Poole take on the Workington Comets in the Cab Direct Championship. Kids under 11 go free.
Buy tickets

Paul Holman & Julle Staines, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
Live music from local favourites

Thursday

Lino Printing for Beginners, Layard Theatre Foyer, Wimborne, 2pm–4:30pm
Create your own lino prints in this hands-on workshop led by local artist Nicole Clayton. Includes all materials and refreshments.
Join in

Live and Unheard, Lighthouse, Poole, 7:30pm
Unsigned talent takes the stage in this monthly music night presented by Hangover Hill.
Book now

Friday

Barry Lyndon (4K Restoration), Lighthouse, Poole, 7pm
Stanley Kubrick’s historic drama returns to the big screen in a stunning new 4K restoration. Go along and try to spot the part filmed at Compton Acres!
Book now

Rumsoaked at Sandbanks Brewery, from 6pm
Live music, street food and barn dancing at this brewery bash.

The Wiseguys, Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 8:30pm
High-energy covers band bringing hits from the 70s to today.

Loose Chippings, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Live music to kick off your weekend in Ashley Cross.

Poole Harbour Festival, Baiter Park Day 1
Poole’s biggest music festival begins, with chart acts and family entertainment across six stages.
Get tickets

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Kings Park Day 1
Three-day celebration of African-Caribbean culture with music, dance, and food.
Find out more

Saturday

Red Arrows Display Cruise, departs Poole Quay at 10:30am
Set sail to Swanage Bay to catch the Red Arrows in action.
Tickets available at the yellow Brownsea Island Ferries kiosk on Poole Quay

Lilliput Sailing Club Open Day and Annual Regatta, 10am–4pm
Clubhouse tours, regatta racing, BBQ, and kids' activities at this friendly Poole Harbour club.
Explore more

CLIMBUNITY Exhibition, The Project Climbing Centre, 10am–6pm
A gallery celebrating the climbing community and supporting Dorset Mind.

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 2pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay from John Springett, Martin Warman Trio and Mi3.

JenkinsFest, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, from 4pm
Live DJs, drink deals, pizzas and a full summer party atmosphere.

Rough Riders, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Rock classics and good vibes all night long.

Curveball at The Goods Yard, 9pm
Live covers band with a party rock set spanning Queen to Stereophonics.

Poole Harbour Festival, Baiter Park Day 2
Day two of the town’s biggest music weekend with national and local acts.

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Kings Park Day 2
More reggae, culture and celebration in the heart of Bournemouth.

Sunday

Dog Masters Festival 2025, Branksome Dene Chine, from 10am
The UK Dog Surfing Championships are back. Come and cheer on 20 paddleboarding pooches. Free for spectators.

CLIMBUNITY Exhibition, The Project Climbing Centre, 10am–6pm
Second day of this creative showcase in support of Dorset Mind.

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 1pm
Sunday tunes at Poole Quay with Mark Davis and Emma Hardy.

Poole Harbour Festival, Baiter Park Day 3
Final day of music, family fun and seaside festival spirit.

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Kings Park Day 3
Closing day of Bournemouth’s biggest reggae celebration.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
Test your trivia with drinks and bar snacks included in the £3 entry.

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That’s it! See you next week!