CF Møller wins Poole waterfront contest

The London and Aarhus-based practice was picked from an undisclosed shortlist of rival firms to win the prestigious commission to upgrade the Dorset coastal resort.

The Holes Bay project is the first part of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s ambitious FuturePlaces initiative, which will see up to 14 regeneration sites, valued at £2.8 billion in development value, move forward in the initial stages.

CF Møller was selected following a request for proposals which focused on design methodology, relevant case studies and experience of similar waterfront projects, instead of soliciting design concepts.

The winning team will now work alongside the local authority to draw up a ‘holistic and financially sustainable approach’ to re-masterplanning the prominent waterfront site, which is expected to feature new public realm and improved connections to the town centre.

FuturePlaces managing director Gail Mayhew said: ‘We are pleased to announce the appointment of CF Møller Architects for the creation of the Poole waterfront masterplan, a practice that understands the principles of holistic and sustainable regeneration, which form the foundations of FuturePlaces’ stewardship-led approach to development.

‘It is essential Poole embraces its waterfront and considers different experiences and activities which will turn the water into a unique resource that can bind the town and the wider area together.

‘By funding infrastructure and placemaking works […] we can overcome the challenges presented by stalled regeneration sites and proposals that often fail to meet the quality needed to secure the potential of the amazing natural coastal asset.’

Strategy diagram: Holes Bay on Poole waterfront near Bournemouth, south coast of England

CF Møller associate partner Rolf Nielsen said: ‘We are delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute to this important next step in the realisation of BCP’s ambitious vision for the regeneration of Poole’s harbour front, and the essential work on the integration of the flood defence system.

‘We look forward to continuing the collaboration with BCP Council, FuturePlaces and Stakeholders and together develop design solutions that embrace the water and create a vibrant, safe and attractive waterfront for the benefit of residents and visitors.’

In November, BCP Council announced it would be taking a stewardship-led approach to its initial portfolio of 14 regeneration sites, representing a combined gross development value exceeding £2.8 billion.

The FuturePlaces initiative will emphasise placemaking and social value in the delivery of 15,000 new homes intended to maximise value through long-term investment.

Architects for additional FuturePlaces commissions will be procured through the local authority’s procurement process.

The latest appointment comes a year after Burrell Foley Fischer was chosen by BCP Council for a ‘landmark’ new £3 million-to-£3.5 million beach pavilion in Sandbanks.

London-based BDP Pattern was chosen by the same client for a feasibility study to rethink the waterfront Bournemouth International Centre two years ago.