Update on Victoria Road, Ferndown improvements

Work to improve Victoria Road in Ferndown is planned to start in autumn 2026. The scheme aims to make the town centre a greener, safer and more welcoming place for residents, local businesses and visitors.

The designs are being finalised following extensive feedback received during the public consultation in 2025. The start date has been moved from spring 2026 to allow time for suggested design changes received during the consultation.

The final designs will be available to view on Ferndown Town Council’s website (www.ferndown.gov.uk) and at Ferndown Town Council offices at The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown  BH22 9TH in Summer 2026.

How resident feedback shaped the plans

Feedback from the 2025 consultation led to several key changes.

Residents asked for:

• heritage style street furniture
• more greenery and space for trees
• fewer bollards
• no flagpoles

In response, the revised design includes:

• heritage style furniture across the scheme
• large planters suitable for ornamental trees, with the Town Council funding long‑term maintenance
• fewer bollards, supported by new integrated planting beds to discourage pavement parking
• removal of flagpoles from the plan

To make the additional improvements suggested during the consultation, including more planting and integrated beds within the pavement, Ferndown Town Council and Dorset Council have agreed additional funding. This will come from a dedicated reserve from Ferndown Town Council created to support town centre projects, and from Dorset Council via its Local Transport Grant funding from central government.

Cllr Lawrence Wilson, Mayor of Ferndown, said:
“I’m thrilled we will soon be able to show you the final detailed designs for the Victoria Road enhancement project. I know it has felt like a long process, but given the significance of the scheme, it was important not to rush it.

“Residents told us they didn’t want lots of bollards, and that has been taken on board. By reducing the number of bollards and adding more ground‑level planting between them, more green space will be created while still maintaining pedestrian safety. This has had an impact on the timeline, moving the start date from spring to autumn, but the end result will be in keeping with the constructive and valuable feedback received.

“I want to thank Dorset Council for adapting the design, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their involvement, enthusiasm and patience.”

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:
“We want our town centres to be attractive, safe and easy to use, and places that work for residents and businesses. The development of this project shows how local people can shape the improvements they want to see.

“We’re pleased to be working with Ferndown Town Council and Litter Free Dorset to create a greener, more welcoming space that supports local businesses and improves the experience for everyone who uses the town centre. I look forward to seeing the spades in the ground.”

The improvements are the culmination of joint work by Ferndown Town Council, Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset to reinvigorate Victoria Road in the heart of Ferndown. The aim is to create a more welcoming, accessible and attractive space for residents, businesses and visitors, supporting a thriving Ferndown economy.