Bournemouth’s coroner service is set to move from the Civic Annex, with BCP Council approving relocation plans and a review of dedicated accommodation after concerns about temporary arrangements. Plans to move Bournemouth’s coroner service will be reviewed again by BCP Council in 2028. The council says it cannot provide specially built accommodation for the Coroner’s Service for some years because of budget pressures and Children’s Services SEND debt, and the Civic Annex is proposed for sale to raise funds and cut spending. Election, events and parking enforcement teams would also leave the
Plans to move Bournemouth’s coroner service will be reviewed again by BCP Council in 2028.
The council says it cannot provide specially built accommodation for the Coroner’s Service for some years because of budget pressures and Children’s Services SEND debt, and the Civic Annex is proposed for sale to raise funds and cut spending.
Election, events and parking enforcement teams would also leave the building, while larger coroner hearings would be held in the council chamber, with extra rooms set aside for quiet and confidential conversations.
Cabinet members approved the plan unanimously on September 2, while raising concerns about the temporary arrangements and accepting the move with “cautious reluctance” as services are relocated from the Civic Annex.
Councillor Jeff Hanna said the council could not commit the funding needed for accommodation “we all would want”, while Councillor Mike Cox said “the annex has to go” and that the building had been retained for too long.
Councillor Richard Burton said the current mix could put people attending emotional hearings close to wedding celebrations, and the council will review in 2028 whether funds can be found for dedicated coroner offices and courts.
