A multimillion-pound partnership project to upgrade facilities and event spaces at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), the south coast’s premier conference, events and entertainment venue, has completed.

The venue's digital and AV technology provision has been significantly upgraded. State-of-the-art digital screens inside and outside the venue have been installed to provide clients with a fully branded event experience and support sponsorship and event advertising. Audio and visual highlights include new projectors and screens, improved wireless connectivity, lighting rig improvements, and energy-efficient LED fixtures.

Earlier this year, the venue’s meetings hub, business lounge and breakout areas were fully refurbished (313m2). Comprising modern, stylish, dedicated flexible spaces for workshops, media hubs, and ancillary areas, the improved space provides a blank canvas for conference and exhibition organisers to brand and theme. Enhanced WiFi provides better connectivity across the hub while renewed energy-efficient air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems supply optimum comfort.

The BIC’s first-floor Bourne Lounge (256m2), which has panoramic sea views, has also been transformed. As a standalone event space, the Bourne Lounge can be converted into a purpose-built breakout area complete with a capacity of 200 (theatre style) for hosting private events, speakers, exhibitions, and hospitality functions.

Additionally, BIC’s in-house dining space, Elevate Brasserie & Bar, has been remodelled into a premium hospitality area with outdoor decking offering stunning views across Bournemouth seafront. Designed by local architects and elegantly styled with natural and sustainable materials, its casual dining menu boasts delicious food such as sharing platters, small plates, pizzas, and snacks. Outdoor landscaping works have improved the venue’s façade to enhance the visitor experience for delegates and visitors.

Two of the venue’s event spaces, which overlook Dorset’s Jurassic coastline have also been completely remodelled. A new living roof installation on the venue’s Purbeck Hall entrance is in situ. The foyer has been modernised with brand-new glazing, improved outdoor signage, and new bathroom facilities.

The Purbeck Lounge, which sits adjacent to the main Purbeck Hall, has been transformed too with new sea-facing windows and doors. Its bar area has been refurbished and repurposed to give it a more modern look and feel. Increased capacity for 280 people (theatre style) and improved ambience capitalize on the venue’s premium location and

stunning coastal views, offering a flexible space popular for dinners, celebrations, networking opportunities, and conferences and exhibitions.

Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is managed and operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

Known for attracting high-profile clients from around the UK and Europe, the BIC is frequently attended by delegates from leading charities, trade unions, professional associations, religious conventions, corporations, and public sector organisations.

Business events, performances, live music, dinners, conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and the venue’s seasonal Cool Coast Ice Rink are integral features of Bournemouth’s landscape. They contribute towards making the town a vibrant year-round destination, bringing vital footfall which in turn supports other local businesses and employment. They generate millions of pounds of economic benefit for the region.

Ensuring the BIC and its facilities continue to attract large-scale events, support local employment, promote town regeneration and drive footfall into Bournemouth town BCP Council pledged £1.8 million to complete these improvement works. This was strengthened by an additional £800k of investment from BH Live.

Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues, shared;

“Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) continues to generate tens of millions of pounds for the local economy year-on-year by providing employment and driving footfall to local businesses and public services. By providing attractive facilities through investment such as this, we are ensuring that Bournemouth and the surrounding region remains a fantastic place to live, work, learn and play for all.

We are delighted this latest phase of work has completed and are looking forward to welcoming visitors and delegates back to the new and improved Purbeck Lounge and Purbeck Hall. Thanks to our joint investment with BCP Council, thousands of visitors will benefit from the venue’s enhanced facilities, ensuring a great experience whether they are attending a conference, exhibition, ice skating session, or concert.”

Councillor Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations said:

“The Bournemouth International Centre is such an asset and plays a really important part in bringing visitors to the area. It’s great to see our joint investment with BH Live breathing fresh life into the venue and its facilities.

“The teams here have done a fantastic job of continuing to operate the venue whilst implementing the works. Seascape South, the council’s wholly owned construction company, has pulled out the stops and the results are really outstanding!”

Upcoming investments at BIC include improvements to the venue’s multi-storey car park, landscaping enhancements, and additional sustainability investments. More information to follow soon.