Updated Visions for 2026

These visions were created after speaking to over 1600 people in Bournemouth asking them what they would like the town to be like in the year 2026.

They have been written to show what we hope people will be saying about Bournemouth in 2026.

A plan was created to show what needed to be achieved in the first 4 years to start to move us towards achieving this Vision. This was called the Sustainable Community Strategy. We are now coming to the end of these first 4 years and are now looking at what we need to do over the next 3 years.

In all there will be six Sustainable Community Strategies produced, each covering 3 or 4 years, which will take us up to the year 2026. Each plan will detail what we need to do during that period to keep us on track to achieve our visions.

Investing in People

Bournemouth is an Age-Friendly town
The gap has narrowed in the education and skills attainment levels of children from different communities
Children and young people are safe, supported and are emotionally healthy
Young people leaving care have good health, achievement and social outcomes
There is good quality of life for all
Bournemouth celebrates all cultures and is free of prejudice
Local people of all backgrounds and ages have a greater influence over local decision making
A full range of cultural activities and experiences are available which positively improve the quality of life and the vibrancy of the town
Basic skill levels and aspirations are high and continue to rise
We have an environment that supports a thriving and sustainable voluntary and community sector

Thriving Economy

We have a strong economy driven by innovation and the green economy employing appropriately skilled and remunerated employees
Sustainable investment is high and Bournemouth has an excellent level of innovation resulting in high levels of research & development
We have a skilled workforce that meets the demands of employers providing opportunities which include appropriate work for local graduates and the wider community

Safer & Stronger Communities

Crime and the fear of crime has reduced and people feel confident and safe
The consequences of illegal substance and alcohol use has reduced
Communities respect each other, reinforcing positive behaviour
Arson and Domestic Fires are rare due to education and awareness
There are effective and preventative schemes and services offering support and education to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence
There is a range of services to support street sex workers and to help them leave prostitution. Action is taken against those who sexually exploit others.
People have the same opportunities regardless of background.
People are able to manage their money effectively.
Homelessness is avoided by the provision of a full range and availability of accessible and supported services

Sustainable Environment

Transport is sustainable, available, affordable, reliable, safe and accessible to all
There is no congestion and viable, sustainable forms of transport including cycling are the norm.
Deaths & serious injuries in road traffic collisions are extremely rare
There is a transport and highway infrastructure that improves the quality of life for residents, sustains and protects the natural environment and supports a thriving economy.
Public spaces, play areas and physical resources are diverse, safe, sustainable, clean, green, accessible and where appropriate productive and biodiverse
Our use of all resources is sustainable
Housing quality is high, sustainable and designed to last
We have sufficient social, affordable, good quality, integrated housing
Emissions of CO2 in Bournemouth are low and the town is adapting effectively to climate change and the rising costs of energy

Health & Wellbeing

Healthy Life Expectancy is the same for all, and people, including those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable, have healthy lifestyles
Bournemouth is a breastfeeding-friendly town where families make choices about infant feeding free from commercial pressure and are supported to breastfeed for as long as they wish
Carers are valued and supported to have a good quality of life
People are supported in their choice of care and housing
Mental Health and Wellbeing is widely understood and this knowledge is promoted; this has reduced the overall impact of mental ill health on individuals, their families and the wider community
All homes and the majority of non-domestic premises in Bournemouth are energy efficient and people can afford to heat them