APPROVAL OF THE SCHEME WOULD CREATE OVER 1,300 JOBS AND BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY BY ALMOST £100M
Local charities Talbot Village Trust and Nuffield Health have submitted a formal planning application to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council for the Talbot Innovation Quarter. The application, which seeks approval to develop land south of the Wallisdown Road, includes plans for a new Nuffield Health Hospital.
The submission comes following extensive public consultation and as urgent healthcare needs in the community continue to rise.
The Innovation Quarter is reflective of the approved Poole Local Plan and promises to deliver economic growth, including creating an additional 1,370 jobs across Dorset, representing £48m per annum in earnings for local people.
Nick Ashley Cooper, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust commented: "The Innovation Quarter is a once in a generation opportunity to create a positive transformational impact for BCP and the region.
“The aim is to support the two Universities and provide improved prospects for young people and families to live, work and contribute to the BCP area. The proposals, developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, are aligned with BCP Council and Dorset LEP’s economic strategy.
"Crucially, we are committed to do this whilst enabling people to live well, enhancing the environment, achieving biodiversity net gain, and ensuring that the Talbot Heath is fully protected for future generations."
It is hoped that the Innovation Quarter will help to generate high-quality jobs with full time median earnings estimated to be 34% above the Dorset LEP area average. Overall, studies suggest that the development could create a boost to the local economy in the region of £97M Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum.
TVT stated that there is no intention of building on Talbot Heath, now or in the future. The charity is a custodian of the protected Talbot Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to diverse and rare wildlife.
Part of the planning application seeks permission to use half of the site – 30 acres– to deliver a Heathland Support Area (HSA) which aims to protect the heath by providing an alternative space for informal recreation.
Nick Ashley Cooper continued: “We have incorporated the HSA within our comprehensive application to showcase a cohesive approach and enable the Council to consider the HSA in conjunction with the wider development proposals.
“We have given careful attention to the landscape design to limit access to the HSA from the Innovation Quarter and undertaken public consultation to inform the management plan. Under the guidance of the Management Liaison Group, we are dedicated to supporting biodiversity on the site.”
Nuffield Health has been looking for eight years to find a suitable site in Bournemouth to build a leading and pioneering new hospital, to replace its existing and outdated facility. Approval of the plans would increase capacity and bring new medical technology and services to the local Nuffield Health provision.
David McNair, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Bournemouth, commented: “Our hospital plays a critical role in healthcare in Dorset. We continue to work more closely than ever with the local NHS trust as it recovers from the pandemic and increased capacity is a necessity to achieve that locally.
“As well as supporting already stretched healthcare services, a new hospital will allow for existing and successful research programmes to be developed, resulting in more efficient and user-friendly procedures for patients across the globe. I am proud of the work our team are achieving locally and would be delighted to see this grow within a new hospital.”
Nick Ashley Cooper added: "The proposed new Nuffield Hospital complements the vision of excellence, innovation and collaboration with University research and provides a huge boost in local healthcare provision. As a charity, Nuffield Health shares our drive to deliver purposeful work that supports the local community.”
Ahead of the submission of the planning application, a widescale and comprehensive public engagement exercise was undertaken in July and September. A detailed programme of pre-application engagement with a wide range of technical consultees and experts also took place, as well as conversations with local businesses and economic development officers.
www.talbotvillagetrust.org