MILLIONS of extra pounds are to be given to various regeneration projects in Boscombe. 

BCP Council accepted £6.79m in February 2023 that would be used to refurbish the Royal Arcade and redevelop it into offices and a food hall. 

But earlier this year councillors agreed to ditch the proposals, funded by the government’s Towns Fund programme, amid soaring costs. 

A spokesman for Boscombe Regeneration said the board has agreed to reallocating the money to build a larger community centre in the Hawkwood Road car park project, enhancing Kigs Park leisure and learning centre and revitalising the parts of the decaying high street. 

The spokesman said: “We’re reallocating funds from the Royal Arcade project, due to completion times and grant limitations.” 

BCP Council does not own the Royal Arcade and it estimates that buying and renovating the building would cost the authority £11.54m.    

However, it was reported that the scheme's costs had soared by more than £7m after it was confirmed that extensive structural and internal building works would be required. 

Meanwhile, Hawkwood Road car park is expected to close next year ahead of major work to build 68 new flats, a medical centre and community area. 

The major developments are part of the Boscombe Towns Fund – more than £21m of government investment secured to redevelop Boscombe.