Beach huts along Bournemouth seafront are set to be removed permanently to facilitate a nearly £10 million levelling-up project.
BCP Council plans to remove 29 huts located next to Harry Ramsden’s as part of a £9 million refurbishment of Bournemouth Pier.
Of these, 23 huts have already been withdrawn from sale due to their deteriorating condition, which officials have deemed unsustainable. Consequently, it is unlikely they will be rebuilt.
In place of the huts, a site compound with power and mains services will be established to support the construction project. This compound will include welfare facilities, contractor storage, and containers serving as meeting and office spaces.
The site is expected to be in use from April to December 2026, by which time the refurbishment work is hoped to be completed.
Rich Herrett, Cabinet Member for Commercial Operations, commented: “We are investing over £9.5 million of Levelling-Up Funding (LUF) into Bournemouth Pier, focusing largely on its substructure, to ensure it can be enjoyed by residents and future generations.
“As part of these essential works, 29 beach huts may need to be removed to create space for a site compound.
“Of these, 23 huts, previously available for winter lets, were withdrawn from sale due to this proposal. It is unlikely they will be rebuilt as they were nearing the end of their lifespan, were costly to repair, and had low demand. The area will be reassessed for more beneficial leisure use.
“The remaining six huts include three annual tenants. The council contacted affected tenants in August to inform them of the proposals and discuss alternative arrangements.”
As the site is council-owned, BCP Council has had to submit a planning application to itself. A panel of councillors, rather than council officers, will review and decide on the proposal following a consultation period.
