Hello Poole!

Welcome to the first issue of 2026 and we’re starting the year exactly how we mean to go on: keeping you up to date with what’s happening across Poole and nearby.

This week we’re looking at the big picture with BCP Council setting out its priorities for the year ahead, including play areas, waste services and support for local communities. There’s also planning news with a new Lidl application for Ringwood Road, plus some more colourful updates as Splat Labs opens its doors, offering a brand-new creative space just along the coast. Add in school admissions deadlines, food waste recycling finally coming to Poole, and a packed January events guide, and there’s no shortage of local stories to catch up on.

Dive in!

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🏗️ BCP Council Sets Out Priorities for the Year Ahead

BCP Council has outlined an ambitious vision for 2026, focusing on stronger communities, improved services and continued investment across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Council Leader Cllr Millie Earl says the past year has seen more than £750 million of new investment, falling vacancy rates in town centres and growing confidence in the local economy. More than 22 new businesses have opened in Bournemouth town centre alone, with growth also continuing in Poole and Christchurch.

Key plans for the year ahead include:

• Investment of £4.4 million into over 120 play areas

• Progress towards town councils, giving communities a stronger local voice

• A new Residents Card offering discounts, including free monthly swims

• A simpler, unified waste collection service across all three towns

• Continued work on pothole repairs, EV charging and reducing roadwork disruption

Read the full article here

🎨 Get Messy, Get Creative: Splat Labs Opens Its Doors

A bold new creative experience has officially arrived on the south coast, and it’s all about colour, freedom and fun.

Splat Labs is a brand-new immersive art space where rules are left at the door and creativity runs wild. Recently opened at 7 The Arcade, Bournemouth (opposite Waterstones), the experience invites people of all ages to splash paint, experiment with street-art techniques and enjoy hands-on creativity in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Created by local creatives Uptown Junk and Asuek Artwork, Splat Labs blends contemporary art, wellbeing and playful chaos. Think paint splat sessions, stencil work, bold colour layering and expressive mark-making – all designed to help people switch off, de-stress and enjoy the process rather than worrying about the outcome.

Sessions are suitable for families, couples, groups and anyone looking for a fun alternative day out or date night. There’s even an energy-release style experience for those who want to let off steam – without breaking anything.

The founders say Splat Labs is about “freedom, expression and having fun”, and they’re keen to make it a welcoming space for the whole community.

👉 Find out more: www.splatlab.co.uk

🐶 Children’s Writing Competition Returns with a Heart-Warming Theme

Young writers across Dorset are being invited to put pen to paper for a feel-good cause.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival has teamed up with local charity Waggy Tails Rescue for its 2026 Children’s Writing Competition, with the theme “Every Dog Deserves a Home”.

Open to Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 pupils, including home-educated children, the free competition encourages creativity while raising awareness of rescue dogs and the importance of giving animals a second chance.

The deadline for entries is Sunday 15 March 2026, with winners invited to a special celebration during the Bournemouth Writing Festival in April.

To support schools and families, free downloadable resources are available, including lesson ideas, writing prompts and a video introducing Waggy Tails Rescue.

Prizes include publication, certificates, a goody bag, a special dog show invitation and a celebration event at Patch during the festival.

👉 Full details, entry forms and resources

🛒 New Lidl Plans Submitted for Ringwood Road

Plans for a new Lidl supermarket on Ringwood Road have been formally submitted to BCP Council.

The proposed store would be built on land at 570–580 Ringwood Road, a site that already has planning permission and was most recently used as a car dealership. It sits next to the Volvo garage and in front of Trents.

Public consultation on the plans opened on 2 January and runs until 23 January.

The application is listed here.

🎓 Careers & Apprenticeship Show Returns for 2026

The Careers and Apprenticeship Show is back for 2026, bringing young people, employers and training providers together under one roof.

Taking place on 12 March 2026 at the Bournemouth International Centre, this will be the event’s fifth in-person show – and it’s already proving popular. Organisers say the exhibition is over 50% booked, with more than 3,000 young people expected to attend during the day.

Each year, the show helps connect students with real opportunities, including work experience placements, apprenticeships and jobs with local employers. It’s also a valuable chance for businesses and training providers to showcase what they offer and meet future talent face to face.

Bookings for post-16 and general public sessions will open this January.

👉 Find out more or book your place at careersandapprenticeshipshow.co.uk

💼 Businesses Invited to Have Their Say on BCP’s Budget

Local businesses are being invited to help shape the future of public services as BCP Council hosts a budget consultation event for 2026/27.

The free event takes place on Friday 30 January 2026, from 8am to 10am, at the BCP Civic Centre in Bournemouth. It will be hosted by Cllr Mike Cox, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, alongside senior council officers including the Chief Executive and Director of Finance.

The session will give businesses the chance to hear directly about the council’s financial position, ask questions and share views on priorities for the year ahead. Tea, coffee and pastries will be provided.

The event is open to all businesses based in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
📧 Any access requirements can be emailed to [email protected]

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🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Ok, so it’s a bit of a trek out to East Mordor Morden to this Manor House, but we think it’s worth it! 👉 View the property

🎒 Starting School in September 2026? Don’t Miss the Deadline

If your child is starting reception, or moving to a junior or middle school in September 2026, applications are now open.

Parents and carers have until 15 January 2026 to apply for a school place.

Applying on time is essential to give your child the best chance of securing a preferred school.

👉 Apply online at:
bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Schools-and-learning/School-admissions

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Railway in talks over new line extension at Shillingstone - BBC News

2. Sackfuls of cheer for Poole pupils – Bournemouth One

3. Funding backs new trees across BCP – Bournemouth One

♻️ Poole to Get Weekly Food Waste Recycling from April 2026

Poole households will finally be catching up with the rest of the BCP area, as weekly food waste recycling collections launch from 6 April 2026.

Every home in Poole will receive:

• A kitchen food caddy

• An outside food waste bin

• Compostable liners

• Clear instructions on how to use the service

There’s no need to apply – containers will be delivered automatically between January and March 2026.

Food waste will be collected on the same day as your normal rubbish and recycling, helping reduce landfill, cut costs and make recycling simpler across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

You can recycle everything from plate scrapings and tea bags to banana skins – no amount is too small.

👉 Find out exactly what you can put in your food waste bin here:
bcpcouncil.gov.uk/.../what-you-can-put-in-your-food-waste-bin

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

Tuesday

Poole Plugged & Unplugged, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Open mic night with Rich & Rich. Plug in or go acoustic, free drink for performers and a chance to land a future gig. Free entry.

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

RNLI Fundraising Quiz, Shah of Persia, Poole, from 7:30pm
Popular quiz night with raffle in aid of RNLI Poole. Booking essential – call 01202 676587 to reserve a table.

Thursday

Martin Rice (Live Music), Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, 7–9pm
Live acoustic set plus £7.50 burgers available all night.

Gareth Fowler Trio (Jazz), The Grasshopper, Bournemouth Road, Poole, from 7:30pm
SoundCellar-curated jazz night featuring rising guitarist Gareth Fowler with Bill Mudge (organ) and Andy Chapman (drums).

Friday

Murphy’s Lore Trio, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 9pm
British folk tunes and songs from the trio’s first of many dates at the Hoy.

Almost Nearly Famous (Live Band), The Bricklayers, Ashley Cross, from 9pm
Friday night live music as part of The Bricklayers’ weekly band nights.

Saturday

The Samurais (Live Indie & Classic Rock), Kings Head, Poole, from 7pm
Free-entry farewell gig for landlords Nicky and Dale.

An Evening with Nimsdai Purja, Lighthouse, Poole, evening
Inspiring talk from the climber behind Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

Coastal Comedy: January, Lighthouse, Poole, 8pm
Triple bill of stand-up comedy in the Sherling Studio. Tickets available via Lighthouse.

Cutting Edge (Live Band), Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 9pm
High-energy Saturday night set with crowd favourites and dancefloor fillers.

An Evening with Chelsea Legends, East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, from 7pm
Meet Chelsea legends David Speedie and Kerry Dixon in person. Booking recommended.

Sunday

Jon Bailey (Live Acoustic), Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 4pm
Acoustic favourites packed with 90s and 00s hits.

Crossey’s Monthly Quiz, The Bricklayers, Ashley Cross, from 7pm
Test your knowledge and compete for prizes in this popular monthly quiz night.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
£3 entry includes quiz and bar snacks. Friendly fun to start the week.

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That’s it! See you next week!