Feria Urbanism recommended the creation of a fresh new public realm at Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth, right in the heart of the town’s night-time economy district, as part of our after dark study in 2012.

The aim was to transform a traffic-dominated environment into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly place — helping to leverage new investment in residential and food-led businesses.

This, we wrote, would help shift the area away from its previous focus on alcohol-led uses, which had contributed to its poor reputation. We prepared the concept drawings for the project, and the works were implemented as part of the Council’s Three Towns Travel programme.

Providing an open space for people to enjoy safely was a key part of the scheme. New seating offers opportunities to dwell and relax in the green open space, while creating a flexible area for events.

The area now benefits from a modern street layout, refreshed open space, and new street furniture, and investment in new uses and daytime activities is beginning to take hold — marking the revitalisation of this part of the town centre.