Victoria Road Ferndown improvements

Works to Commence

Construction of the scheme is due to start on 7 September 2026 and will take approximately 10 weeks to complete. During this time, Victoria Road will remain open and access to all shops will be maintained throughout the works.

Project aims

We want to create a more welcoming, accessible and attractive space for residents, businesses and visitors, supporting a vibrant Ferndown economy.

The aim is to improve:

the look of the public areas in Ferndown town centre
address safety and access issues caused by inappropriate parking on the footway

Some background information that has informed this:

in early 2025, deteriorating planters containing large trees were removed from the footway due to safety concerns
benches are in poor condition
inappropriate footway parking is a problem, creating safety hazards and detracting from the town’s appearance
there have been injury collisions in the town centre, some linked to footway parking
residents have expressed a strong desire for improvements to address safety issues and enhance the look and feel of Victoria Road. People are keen to see trees replanted

What has been happening

We have worked with Ferndown Town Council and Litter Free Dorset to develop a design for an enhanced environment.

We listened to residents and businesses:

a 2017 consultation has informed that a stronger identity for Ferndown is important for residents
removal of footway parking and improved street scene, especially within available budget
following feedback from shops, adjustments were made to remove the temporary loading restriction on a small section of the road to enable deliveries
from 15 October to 15 November 2025, residents shared their views on the proposals below through a survey and at 4 in-person events held at the Barrington Centre. They were asked to give their preferences on styles of street furniture. The results
have been published on Ferndown Town Council's website
following on from the public consultation, design work on the final scheme was completed. This incorporated as much feedback from the public consultation as possible
the final scheme design can be seen below.

Design constraints

Underground services

Mapping surveys were undertaken to identify the location extent of underground services. The extensive network of underground utilities means it is not possible to plant trees directly into the ground.

Large mature trees

These are not suitable for planters and can pose a health and safety risk. Small ornamental trees and large shrubs are recommended for planters.

Boundaries between highway and private land

Only part of the footway is within our control. This means that there is limited space in which we can make improvements, but we are confident there is sufficient space to make this a vibrant and accessible area.

Visibility requirements

It is important that clear visibility is provided at junctions and private accesses for driver and pedestrian safety. This has informed the locations of street furniture and features so that the required visibility areas will be kept clear

Off road laybys

Significant consideration has been given to the introduction of off-road laybys for unloading and loading. Unfortunately, due to very high costs of utility diversions, it is not feasible to deliver these at this stage.

Improvements concept plan

Concept plan map illustration of Victoria Road in Ferndown.

This image is a birds-eye view illustration of Victoria Road in Ferndown. The road runs through the middle of the map, showing the full stretch from Penny’s Hill Junction at the south end to Albert Road at the north end. Familiar buildings are marked on either side to help viewers recognise the area. They also show where the street features and benches may be placed.

Key landmarks include:

library and car park, south of the pedestrian crossing
post office and bank, north of the crossing
4 existing trees near the library, which will remain

The map shows:

seating areas spaced along both sides of the road, with planters for greenery
larger planters filled with small ornamental trees and plants to enhance the street
footway level plant beds running adjacent to the road
cycle rack locations, placed near benches and planters
bollards along the kerb between the footway plant beds to protect pedestrians and prevent pavement parking
cutout boxes showing examples of planters, plant beds, benches and bollards
parking spaces on Princes Road
an on-road loading bay outside the post office
key symbols for features such as combined planter and seating areas, cycle parking and loading restrictions

View larger image.

Street scene visual mock-up

Visual mock up street view of Victoria Road in Ferndown

This image shows Victoria Road looking north from outside the bank. This picture is a mock-up of what the street could look like following the improvements.

These include:

footway level plant beds with low-level planting
bollards between the footway plant beds which are aligned with the edge of the road
seating areas with planters spaced along the footway on both sides of the road

Improvements concept plan

This image is a birds-eye view illustration of Victoria Road in Ferndown. The road runs through the middle of the map, showing the full stretch from Penny’s Hill Junction at the south end to Albert Road at the north end. Familiar buildings are marked on either side to help viewers recognise the area. They also show where the street features and benches may be placed.

Key landmarks include:

library and car park, south of the pedestrian crossing
post office and bank, north of the crossing
4 existing trees near the library, which will remain

The map shows:

10 seating areas spaced evenly along both sides of the road, each with planters for greenery
cutout boxes showing examples of planters, benches, flags and bollards
8 extra planters filled with shrubs and plants to enhance the street
7 cycle rack locations, placed near benches and planters
bollards along the kerb to protect pedestrians and prevent pavement parking
flag poles along the road to display seasonal images and messages. Creating a welcoming and vibrant “avenue” feel
key symbols for features such as combined planter and seating areas, cycle parking and loading restrictions

View larger image.

Street scene visual mock-up

3D street view of Victoria Road in Ferndown

This image shows Victoria Road looking north from outside the bank. This picture is a mockup of what the street could look like following the improvements.

These include:

bollards which are aligned with the edge of the footway
flag poles which are holding flags with seasonal wording
planters with integrated seating spaced along the footway

Street furniture examples

Modern style

Products made from different materials, including:

hardwood timber
stainless steel
realistic timber polymer material

A mood board showing different types of bins and bollards. They come in a mix of designs and materials. Some resemble wood, some are metal, and others are black plastic. The photos show how they might appear in streets or public spaces.

Eco style

Products made from different recycled materials, including:

recycled rubber
recycled plastic

Images of bins and bollards made from recycled materials. The designs range from sleek black finishes to striped bollards and recycling bins. They’re pictured in outdoor settings.

Heritage style

Products made from different materials, including:

cast iron
galvanised steel
cast aluminium construction

Examples of bins and bollards with a traditional look. Designs feature black finishes with gold detailing, including decorative bollards. Bins marked 'LITTER' in gold. Shapes range from cylindrical to square. The products are shown in classic street and pavement settings.