We're at the end of January already and what’s more this is Issue No. 51, which means next week is our first birthday! If you can think of anything we should do to celebrate, reply to this email and let us know! (We’re approaching 2,000 subscribers, so if there’s anyone you know that hasn’t subscribed yet and would enjoy PooleNow, please let them know!)

This week we're looking at plans for Hamworthy Fire Station, a green transformation coming to Poole Bus Station, and the collaborative work underway to shape the future of Poole Town Centre.

There's also brilliant news for Lighthouse with a funding boost, and if you're looking for things to do, we've got live music across the weekend, The Shawshank Redemption on stage, and plenty more to explore.

Dive in 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!

The area around Poole Bus Station is set to be transformed into a greener, more welcoming public space this spring.

Works have already started on site, with the main improvements rolling out through February and March. The project is funded by government money allocated to BCP Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan and delivered with Morebus.

The underused tarmac area at the Seldown Car Park end will become a garden space with varied seating, playful stepping stones and even a Noughts and Crosses game. New trees will provide shade in summer, while rain gardens will help manage surface water.

Other improvements include a sheltered seating area, secure cycle parking pods, Beryl bikes, and a new path linking the bus station directly with the car park and coach station.

Wildlife-friendly planting with drought-tolerant grasses and perennials will support pollinators, while Purbeck stone blocks will add local character. New fencing and lower planting will improve visibility and safety.

Inside the station itself, passengers can expect redecoration, better flooring, lighting, signage and seating. These build on electronic information displays with CCTV already in place at each stand.

Key organisations came together last week to start shaping a shared vision for Poole Town Centre.

On 22 January, representatives from Network Rail, L&G (owner of The Dolphin Centre), RNLI, Dorset FA, BCP Council and others met at the Dorset FA County Ground for the first in a series of collaborative workshops.

The session focused on major town centre sites, emerging opportunities and current challenges. More partners will join the conversation over the coming months.

Rather than creating a traditional masterplan, the work will focus on building a place-based delivery framework and establishing a shared, actionable vision for Poole's future.

We look forward to seeing what they put together.

Hamworthy Fire Station is one of eight stations across Dorset and Wiltshire that could close under proposals being considered by the local fire authority.

The plan, which also affects stations in Cranborne, Maiden Newton and Charmouth, would be discussed at a fire authority meeting on 10 February.

If members agree, a 13-week public consultation will take place, with a final decision due on 30 June.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Andy Cole acknowledged how personal the news will feel. "I know how deeply connected people are to their station and their community, and I do not underestimate how personal this will feel."

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the fire authority to reject what it called "disastrous" proposals.

Lighthouse Poole has welcomed news that its National Portfolio funding from Arts Council England will continue in 2026/27, with a five per cent uplift.

The boost comes as part of a £1.5 billion investment in more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Elspeth McBain, Lighthouse Chief Executive, says it's extremely good news for arts and culture in Poole and the wider region. "This award endorses our proud status as a National Portfolio Organisation and we are extremely grateful to Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport."

Lighthouse is one of the largest arts centres outside London and the only multi-space venue with four auditoria in the South West.

Five local choirs led by Poole-based choir leader Tim Dowland have raised more than £12,500 for Forest Holme Hospice.

Tim's Singers, which brings together Citrus Singers, Sing & Grin Choir, Balance Choir and Academy Junior Singers, chose the Poole hospice as their Charity of the Year in 2025.

Tim is known for his work on BBC's The Voice. Throughout the year, his choirs raised funds through The Big Sing Church Tour, the release of a reimagined version of Coldplay's All My Love (renamed All Our Love), raffles, handcrafted item sales, and performances at the hospice's Tie a Yellow Ribbon and Light Up a Life memorial events.

Kirsty Perks, Community and Corporate Fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, thanked the singers, choir leaders and supporters for their generosity, time and continued encouragement of community connection through music.

Bournemouth town centre has been designated for High Street Rental Auctions, a new power that helps councils bring long-term vacant properties back into use.

The tool was introduced under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and allows BCP Council to work with landlords to encourage vibrant high streets.

Cabinet voted unanimously for the designation on 17 December 2025.

If you're a business interested in operating from Bournemouth town centre, or a landlord looking for a new tenant, the council wants to hear from you.

Get in touch at [email protected] to find out more.

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

Amazing views and your own jetty. What more could you want?👉 View the property

Sandy Lane in Upton and roads that branch off it will have a new 20mph speed limit introduced before Easter, following a successful community-led application to Dorset Council.

The scheme is part of a wider programme across Dorset that will see lower speed limits introduced in ten towns and villages, including Beaminster, Lyme Regis and Winterborne Whitechurch.

Each application was reviewed against set criteria, with residents able to share comments, support or objections during consultation before a final decision was made.

Dorset Council says the approach begins with community interest and aims to improve safety and wellbeing in neighbourhoods, particularly where people live, walk, cycle or use mobility aids.

In towns where 20mph limits are already in place, parish and town councils report they have made communities safer and encouraged more walking, though some believe greater enforcement is needed.

The new signs in Upton are planned to be installed and operational before Easter 2026. The council has confirmed that 20mph limits are not intended to become the default on all roads, but are considered where there is strong local support and a clear case for improving road safety.

Feed your appetite for laughs and killer tunes as Little Shop of Horrors arrives at Lighthouse Poole from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 October.

The classic rock 'n' roll musical tells the story of mild-mannered florist Seymour, who stumbles upon a strange and exotic plant that seems to turn his luck around. But this green arrival has a very particular taste, and as success blooms and true love beckons, Seymour faces an impossible choice.

Packed with iconic songs, larger-than-life characters and a carnivorous plant with a mind of its own, this brand-new production promises big laughs, big tunes and exquisite stagecraft.

Priority booking for Lighthouse Best and Great Friends is available now, and to Good Friends on Tuesday 3 February, before going on general sale from Friday 6 February. Tickets from 01202 280000 or visit lighthousepoole.co.uk.

The Shawshank Redemption, Lighthouse, Tue 27 - Sat 31 January
Bill Kenwright's thrilling stage adaptation of Stephen King's classic story. Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence and must navigate life in the notorious Shawshank facility, where he forms an unlikely friendship with Red. Book now.

Surface Art Exhibition, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am–5pm until Thursday 29 January
See the superb work of Steve Pill and Ruth Fuller. Free to visit.

Maker Space Markets Birthday Market, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February
Shop with fantastic artists and small businesses.

Paint and Sip, The Britannia, Parkstone, 6.30–8.30pm
Includes a glass of Prosecco or soft drink. £22 per person. Book now.

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!

Totog,The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30–10.30pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Irish Folk Music Session, Portsmouth Hoy, 8pm
All welcome to come and play. Free drink for all performers.

Armonico Consort: Handel's Fireworks, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Featuring Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice, performed at every coronation since King George II. Book now.

Hidden Triangle Community DJ Sessions, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7–11pm
Open decks, three DJs, one hour each on a proper club system. Multi-genre with real taste.

Lee Rasdall-Dove (Live Music), Jenkins & Sons, 7–9pm
£7.50 burgers, happy hour 4–6pm, and 2-4-1 cocktails all night.

Sculpt & Flow, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 9–11am
Pilates with Amy of The BASE Space, yoga flow with Jasmin Chima, plus a nourishing breakfast and matcha. Book now.

Daniel Casimir & his Big Band, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
Studio Jazz and SoundCellar Poole co-present the incredible composer and bassist with his big band. Book now.

The Andrew James Band, Portsmouth Hoy, 9pm
Folk, country and Americana from Andrew James of The Raven Kings. Dinner served until 8.30pm, booking advisable on 01202 673517.

Ironhide, The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

The Pure Tones, The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Featuring Lizzi on vocals. Free entry with great vibes and dancing encouraged.

Trek Poole January Big Ride Out, 10am
Road, gravel and MTB rides at a friendly, no drop pace. Arrive from 9.30am. Numbers limited to 25 per ride. Join the ride.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
The phenomenally successful show that's sold out venues in over 50 countries worldwide. Book now.

The Scanners (Live Music), The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music at the Bermuda Triangle on Parr Street.

RIZEN Pro Wrestling Live 12, St Michael's Church, Hamworthy, 3pm
Four championship matches, plus the return of Joel Redman and debut of Smashing Mike. Hot food, free parking and a big raffle. Get tickets.

Groove Rush, The Yachtsman, Hamworthy, 8.30pm
Rock, funk and indie live.

Nobody Dorset Better 2, Longclose Yard Wimborne, 4-8pm
Showcasing the Dorset Entity BMX scene. Brewery open next door, food from Matt Cross, and sauna bookings available.

Cat Alley Dogs (Live Music), The Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4–6pm
Sunday afternoon live music.

Imbolc Snow Full Moon Gathering, Branksome Chine Beach, 4.30–7pm
Gather to meditate, dance and share under the light of the Snow Full Moon to celebrate Imbolc, Spring Awakening. Book now.

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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