‘No future plans’ for derelict civic centre and multi-storey car park

NO PLANS have yet been decided for the future of Poole Civic Centre and its neighbouring multi-storey car park.

The two buildings have lain empty since May 2022 when staff moved out of the Grade II listing building as part of the merger of BCP Council.

(Image: Newsquest)

It was previously reported the council spent £644,000 from April 2022 to December 2023 to maintain the abandoned building.

However, it appears the vandalised multi-storey car park, next door to the civic centre, has not been upkept.

(Image: Newsquest)

The council has said no decisions have been made around Poole Civic Centre but an investment firm has been appointed to support the next steps.

Adam Richens, chief finance officer and director of finance, BCP Council said: “BCP Council formally decided to dispose of Christchurch Civic Centre at its council meeting on 7 November 2023. No decisions have yet been made around the future of Poole Civic Centre.

“We have appointed the commercial real estate services and investment firm CBRE to support the next steps and due diligence in respect of both assets; in Christchurch to support the disposal of the Civic Centre, and in Poole to support the way forward for both the Civic Centre and the multi-storey car park.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Mike Cox, the authority's portfolio holder for finance, previously said the costs have been necessary to keep historic buildings in good condition.

He said: “Of course, we would prefer not to spend money on a building our staff no longer use, but we must maintain a certain level of maintenance on the site as we continue to look at all possible options.

“This is a building with Grade II Listed elements, which cannot be demolished. We have a duty to keep these historic parts in good condition.”