News

From Speedway to Opera, Poole will be celebrating everything that people enjoy about the town and its environment on Monday 25 March, with the launch of Poole’s Cultural Plan, Whatever floats your boat.

As part of a Government initiative, residents, local providers, businesses and partners have been working with the Borough of Poole to examine the huge range of activities and facilities available to everyone living, working and visiting Poole. As well as celebrating everything that Poole has to offer, the plan aims to develop the vibrant cultural life of the town over the next five years.

Cllr Graham Wilson, Chairman of the Cultural Plan Working Group, said: "Whatever floats your boat is about everything people enjoy in Poole, whether it is going for a meal or the town’s unique environment. The plan celebrates the things that have made Poole what it is as well as planning for the future. Investment in our libraries, the refurbishment of the Arts Centre, the new Bridge and regeneration of the Town Centre, Hamworthy and the Quay are just some of the areas which are providing new opportunities for everyone to experience in the town. Our next step will be working to develop new activities and for that we need more people to get involved and have their say on the kind of things they want to see happen in the town."

Actions in the plan include:

establishing a Cultural Panel to promote and deliver the targets in plan

developing a Cultural ‘SmartCard’ with loyalty discounts, priority bookings and advance information for residents

encouraging excellence in sports development by working with schools and adult education

increasing public information about facilities and services

developing a public art policy

working to with partners for high quality beaches and open spaces

considering any future City bid process as a potential for further focus on Poole’s cultural identity

Copies of Whatever floats your boat are available from Leisure Services, tel: 01202 261303 or on boroughofpoole.com

Copies of the Plan will be available at the launch event

Claire Chidley, Head of Cultural Services, Borough of Poole,

tel: 01202 262429

Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, Borough of Poole,

tel: 01202 261380