The overall aim of the Connecting Christchurch project is to improve access to urban green spaces, with its key focus on improving the health and wellbeing of older and chronically ill people and their carers, in and around Christchurch.

BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council are working together on this project, along with key stakeholders including the Friends of Druitt Gardens, Public Health Dorset and Health Sciences University.

The project demonstrates Christchurch Town Council’s and BCP Council’s recognition of green spaces being good for people’s health and wellbeing, supported by BCP Council’s vision and corporate strategy emphasising the importance of people, place and environment.

The project uses strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding that originated from the legacy Christchurch Borough Council and was retained by BCP Council for spending specifically in Christchurch.

The route

Utilising and improving existing paths, an accessible trail will be created linking the Quomps, with Druitt Gardens and into Barrack Road Recreation Ground, with connections to the High Street and to key heritage areas. Improved seating along this route will be provided, along with accessible signage, interpretation, entrance features and new planting to improve the biodiversity value and enhance the user experience.

As the project detail develops, the intension is to further engage with and involve the target population and local community groups in Christchurch, to ensure the scheme meets their needs.

Support for the project is evidenced by consultation responses to the Christchurch Neighbourhood Plan (2022-2023) and confirmed through Christchurch Town Council’s official processes.