Bournemouth town centre had 27 confirmed business openings and at least 17 closures over 12 months, according to checks of figures supplied after a council leader’s claim. Bournemouth town centre had a net increase of 10 businesses over the past year. The figure follows a review of a BCP Council list supplied after council leader Councillor Millie Earl told ITV Meridian on October 22 that 40 businesses had opened in the town centre during the previous 12 months. The council first supplied 46 names, then revised that total to 41 after the Bournemouth Echo queried whether some entries fell ou
Bournemouth town centre had a net increase of 10 businesses over the past year.
The figure follows a review of a BCP Council list supplied after council leader Councillor Millie Earl told ITV Meridian on October 22 that 40 businesses had opened in the town centre during the previous 12 months.
The council first supplied 46 names, then revised that total to 41 after the Bournemouth Echo queried whether some entries fell outside the period of October 2025 to October 2026 used for the claim made on television.
Checks by the Echo found the revised list included businesses that had not yet opened, businesses that had moved out of the town centre and others that opened between 18 months and four years ago.
Using its records, the Echo identified 27 openings in the period and at least 17 closures, which was the basis for the net increase across the town centre over the same 12 months.
BCP Council said its figure of 41 openings remains correct, while Councillor Earl said the openings show businesses see “real potential in Bournemouth” and want to be part of its future.
