Hello Poole!

This week we’re shining a spotlight on the future of one of our most loved historic buildings. BCP Council is asking for your ideas on how Upton House can be brought back into full use and made sustainable for the long term.

Do you think you could help run the new Poole Town Council? If so, read on because we’ve got the details on new roles being advertised by BCP Council.

We also look at what’s happening with Twin Sails Bridge, the return of Seafood & Sound, some interesting planning applications and one of our busiest event listings yet, with live music, ballet, exhibitions and more happening right through the week.

Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

🏛️ Have your say on the future of Upton House

BCP Council is asking residents to help shape a long-term plan for Upton House, one of Poole’s most important historic buildings, as work begins to secure its future for generations to come.

The Grade II* listed Georgian mansion sits at the heart of Upton Country Park, and while major improvements have already been made to the surrounding parkland and visitor facilities, thanks to National Lottery Parks for People funding, the House itself now faces some significant challenges.

Council leaders say maintaining and upgrading the historic building is increasingly difficult, and they are now working with specialist heritage consultants to explore how Upton House can be brought back into fuller use while becoming financially sustainable.

The aim is to find new and exciting uses for the House that will:

• bring the building back to life,

• make it accessible to everyone,

• work in harmony with the Country Park,

• attract future funding and grants,

• and keep local people involved every step of the way.

Among the biggest challenges are the high cost of repairs and modernisation, poor accessibility, limited parking, and the need to improve energy efficiency while protecting the building’s historic character. The Council is also keen to reduce reliance on subsidies by finding uses that can generate enough income to support the House long-term.

Residents are now being invited to share ideas via an online virtual ideas board, open until 8 February 2026. Suggestions could include:

• heritage and cultural learning spaces,

• events and function venues,

• cafés or restaurants,

• wellbeing and leisure uses,

• workspaces or business hubs,

• accommodation,

• or a mix of several uses.

All ideas will be reviewed, with shortlisted options expected to go out for wider consultation in Spring 2026.

👉 Share your ideas and get involved here

This is a rare chance for local people to help shape the future of one of Poole’s most treasured landmarks.

🎶 Seafood & Sounds Poole returns in 2026 – save the date now

Seafood & Sounds will return to Poole Old Town and The Quay on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, bringing together live music, local seafood, family entertainment and a real celebration of Poole’s coastal character. The free-to-attend event follows the huge success of last year’s festival, which attracted more than 8,000 visitors.

The event is led by a brilliant local team headed up by Jeanette Walsh, owner of the high street sweetshop Truly Scrumptious. Regular readers may remember we featured Jeanette in a two-part interview last year (Issues No. 5 and No. 7), where she spoke about her passion for Poole and building an event that supports local businesses and the community.

Festivities will once again begin with a colourful parade through Poole Old Town before arriving at The Quay, setting the tone for a packed weekend. More than 24 live music acts are planned across multiple locations including the Custom House, Sea Music Sculpture, Poole Museum, St James’ Church, Poole Arms and The Fish Shambles, with performances running from 11am–4pm on both days.

As always, seafood will take centre stage, with local hospitality businesses serving up fresh dishes, waterside seafood stalls, and the return of the popular Seafood & Sounds Oyster Trail. There will also be an artisan and produce market, children’s entertainment, and plenty to explore for all ages.

🗓 12–13 September 2026
📍 Poole Old Town & The Quay
🎟 Free entry

🌉 Update on Twin Sails Bridge repairs

It may feel like de ja vu, but BCP Council has confirmed that the final phase of repairs on Twin Sails Bridge will take place between 28 January and 1 February 2026.

During 28–30 January, the bridge will remain in the lowered position while works are completed, followed by continued testing over the weekend. Subject to successful test lifts, the bridge is expected(!) to reopen fully and return to normal operation on 2 February.

🍜 Two major planning applications submitted in Poole

Two high-profile planning applications could bring significant changes to Poole if approved by BCP Council.

First, Wagamama has submitted plans to open a new restaurant at Tower Park, taking over the former TGI Friday’s site between KFC and Nando’s. If approved, this would be Wagamama’s first location in Poole, complementing its existing Bournemouth restaurant.

At the same time, Marshall Motor Group has submitted a planning application to open a Lamborghini dealership and service centre on the site of the existing Peugeot showroom overlooking Holes Bay. The proposal would see the site transformed into a specialist showroom for the luxury brand.

Public consultation is open on the Wagamama application until 3 February, with residents invited to submit comments to BCP Council.

🏛️ Clerks sought to help shape new town councils

Senior administrative roles have now been advertised for the newly approved Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone Town Councils, ahead of their launch in April.

Both Poole and Bournemouth Town Councils are recruiting full-time Town Clerks and Responsible Finance Officers, with salaries ranging from £74,454 to £89,081. The roles are described as career-defining opportunities to help build trusted, modern councils from the ground up.

Broadstone Town Council is also recruiting for a part-time combined clerk and RFO role, offering 18.5 hours per week with a salary of up to £52,413.

Applications close on Monday 26 January 2026, with the new councils due to be formally established on 1 April, ahead of elections in May.

Poole Town Clerk Advert
Broadstone Town Clerk Advert

🚀 Thinking of starting a business? Two events to know about

Local entrepreneurs and aspiring founders have two great opportunities coming up, both run by Evolve.

Start a Business with Ignite is a fully funded, free two-day course for BCP residents thinking about launching a business in 2026. The programme covers the essentials of starting up and early-stage support.
📍 Poole: 23 & 30 January
📍 Bournemouth: 20 & 27 February
👉 Book while spaces last

Meanwhile, Perfect the Pitch takes place on 10 February 2026 at Evolve Townhouse, Poole, and is aimed at start-ups looking to pitch for equity investment. The session includes real-world insights from entrepreneurs such as The Spark’s Dan Ware and advisors who have secured funding, plus networking opportunities with like-minded founders.

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🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

If you’d like a house with more bathrooms than bedrooms, a gymnasium, cinema room and a lot of white painted walls, you’ll love this house in Canford Cliffs! 👉 View the property

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Plans piling up as BCP homes wait in line – Bournemouth One

2. Lidl complains about Canford Bottom Aldi plan – Bournemouth One

3. BCP Council asks government for power to introduce tourism tax - BBC News

💘 Singles-only Valentine’s cruise launches in Poole Harbour

Valentine’s Day is getting a fresh twist in 2026 with a singles-only harbour cruise from Coastal Cruises Poole.

Taking place on Saturday 14 February, the evening cruise aboard Fortuna promises music, drinks, dancing and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. Guests will enjoy a scenic night-time cruise around Poole Harbour, with a DJ and onboard bar, departing at 7pm and returning at 10pm.

Tickets are available now, with single and group options — and quoting Valentines20 gives 20% off at checkout.

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

Multiple Days

RNLI: Stories of Courage 1939–45, Lighthouse, Main Gallery
Thu 15 Jan – Sat 28 Feb
A powerful exhibition exploring the bravery of RNLI crews during WWII through rarely seen artworks and artefacts.

Italian Street Food Weekend, Sandbanks Brewery
Fri 16 & Sat 17 Jan
Pizza With Love on Friday, followed by Pastamore on Saturday.

Tuesday

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

An Evening with Jack the Ripper, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm
A gripping deep dive into one of history’s greatest unsolved crimes, presented by award-winning producer Steve Morgan. Age 12+.

BSO: Viva España, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
A vibrant evening of Spanish-inspired orchestral music featuring works by Turina, de Falla, Debussy and Ravel. Book now.

Live Music: The Duvets, The Bermuda Triangle, 8.30–10.30pm
Midweek live music featuring indie and alternative covers in an intimate pub setting.

Absolute Beginners Cuban Salsa Course, Woodlands Ballroom, Upper Parkstone, 7–8.30pm
A six-week beginners’ course with award-winning teacher Enrique Perez Valdes. No partner or experience needed. Advance booking required.
Sign up here: https://fb.me/e/3XtvcHRTb

Thursday

Stitch Night at the Movies, Patch Bournemouth, 6.30–9pm
A cosy, craft-friendly film screening. Bring your current project and enjoy a relaxed creative evening.
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stitch-night-at-the-movies-tickets-1974708178319

Live Music Showcase, Delfino Lounge, Poole, from 6.30pm
An evening celebrating some of the best musicians and songwriters from Dorset and Hampshire. Free entry.

Swan Lake, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet presents the timeless ballet with a live orchestra. Also showing Friday. Book now.

Friday

The Pure Tones (Live Music), The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 8pm
A high-energy night of live music featuring LizBob on vocals. Free entry.

Mi3 Live, King Charles Pub, from 9pm
Rock and blues classics to kick-start the weekend.

BH Rock, The Bricklayers, from 9pm
A night of modern and classic rock covers from a popular local band.

Live Music: Rattlesnake ’n’ Tailfeathers, The Bermuda Triangle, 9–11pm
Blues-infused live music in one of Bournemouth’s favourite pubs.

BAKE Yard Sauna Launch Party, Longclose Yard, Wimborne
An opening night celebration for the new sauna space, with food, drinks and a relaxed social atmosphere.

Swan Lake, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Second evening of this classical ballet spectacular. Book using link above.

Saturday

JenkinsFest ’26, Jenkins & Sons, from 4pm
An all-evening live music event featuring local singer-songwriters, £10 pizzas, happy hour and ales all night.

The Nutcracker, Lighthouse
Sat 17 Jan at 2.30pm & 7pm
A magical family-friendly ballet full of festive charm. Also showing Sunday. Book now.

The Magic of Motown, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
A high-energy celebration of Motown’s greatest hits as the show marks its 20th anniversary tour. Book now.

Hedera, Lighthouse, 8pm
Chamber folk with global influences, blending traditional and contemporary sounds. Book now.

Live Music: The Seventynine, The Bermuda Triangle, 9–11pm
A Saturday night set of live covers and crowd-pleasers.

The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines, Lighthouse
Sat 17 Jan – Sat 28 Feb
A free exhibition exploring care, memory, ageing and wellbeing through community-created artworks.

Sunday

Upton House Guided Tours, Upton Country Park, 10–11.30am
Explore the staterooms and servants’ quarters of Upton House and uncover stories revealed through recent research.

The Nutcracker, Lighthouse, 2.30pm
Final performance of the weekend for this much-loved ballet. Book using the link above.

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!