Bournemouth's Age-Friendly Town Centre Project Shortlisted for National Award

The Age Friendly Bournemouth Town Centre project has been shortlisted in the Best Social and Community Contribution category at the national Town and City Management Industry Awards 2026, run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).

Bournemouth Town Centre BID, BCP Council, and the Centre for Ageing Better joined forces to launch the initiative, supporting businesses in welcoming and assisting older residents and visitors as the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area experiences one of the fastest ageing populations in the country.

Across BCP, 41% of residents are already aged 50 or over, with that figure expected to grow by up to 10% by 2031. Nationally, older households are expected to account for 63 pence in every £1 spent by 2040, highlighting the growing importance of creating places and services that work for people of all ages.

Over the past year, the project team has inspired businesses throughout Bournemouth town centre to embrace age-friendly practices, including customer service training, the Take A Seat campaign, and the Age Friendly Charter.

The project team, in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better, helped businesses better understand older customers' needs and created a more welcoming, inclusive town centre environment. They also provided valuable insights into how town centres can adapt to an ageing population while supporting local businesses and community wellbeing.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID board member Rachel Woodward-Carrick, said:

"We are incredibly proud to see Bournemouth recognised nationally for this work. This project has always been about creating a town centre where people feel welcome, valued and able to enjoy everything Bournemouth has to offer, regardless of age.

"The nomination reflects the commitment shown by local businesses, BCP Council, the Centre for Ageing Better and the many older residents who helped shape the project from the very beginning."

Cllr Sandra Moore, Cabinet Member for Communities at BCP Council said:
“Creating an age-friendly town centre is key to helping people live well across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. This project shows the impact of strong partnerships in building welcoming, inclusive places, and it’s fantastic to see Bournemouth Town Centre recognised nationally as part of our wider Age Friendly Communities work.”

One of the most visible elements of the initiative has been the Take A Seat campaign, which encourages participating businesses to provide a welcoming place for visitors to rest without any obligation to make a purchase.

Age-friendly customer service training, shaped by feedback from older residents, ensures the programme meets genuine community needs and delivers lasting benefits.

Natalie Turner, Deputy Director for Homes and Communities at the Centre for Ageing Better, said:

"Businesses such as shops, cafes and leisure centres are vital parts of our local communities that shape and influence our day-to-day lives and wellbeing.  

“This partnership has helped embed age-friendly thinking into everyday practice, showing how collaboration can drive more inclusive town centres, while recognising older people as both valued customers and active contributors to our communities

" I want to congratulate Bournemouth Town Centre BID, BCP Council and local businesses for recognising the importance and value of age-friendly work such as this and we look forward to seeing their age-friendly approaches grow and grow in the future."

The ATCM awards result will be announced on the evening of Wednesday 10 June 2026 in Norwich.