A project to transform two popular event spaces at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is set to get underway in August 2024.

Improvements are being carried out in two event spaces looking towards Dorset’s Jurassic coastline. They include a new living roof at the venue’s Purbeck Hall entrance and a foyer remodelled with brand-new bathroom facilities. This will create a more welcoming experience for visitors to events such as dinners, exhibitions and the seasonal Cool Coast Ice Rink which operates during the winter season.

Furthermore the Purbeck Lounge, which sits adjacent to the main Purbeck Hall, is being completely transformed with new glazing installations. The bar is being refurbished too. The lounge is regularly used for dinners, celebrations, networking and as a media hub for conferences and events. These improvements will increase the room’s capacity and significantly improve the overall experience, capitalising on the venue’s premium location and providing visitors with stunning coastal views.

In a bid to upgrade the venue’s conferencing and exhibition spaces, more than £1.8 million has recently been invested into the four-hall venue by BCP Council supported with an additional £800K from venue operator, BH Live.

Other recent investments include refurbishments to the Bourne Lounge and the BIC’s meeting room spaces, frequently used as workshop areas and syndicate rooms. The spaces are now modern, bright, and installed with new AV tech. Digital signage and screens throughout the venue also provide engaging event communication and a platform to showcase event partners and provide clients with sponsorship opportunities.

Business events, dinners, conferences, exhibitions 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.

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

The seasonal Cool Coast Ice Rink, which is generally open December to February has more than 40,000 attendances each year.

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

Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues, shared;
“Bournemouth International Centre brings hundreds of thousands of people to the region every year. Thanks to our joint investment with BCP Council, we are ensuring Bournemouth International Centre’s (BIC) continues to provide visitors with a great experience whether they are visiting for a conference, exhibition, ice skating or entertainment.

“The venue generates tens of millions of pounds for the local economy every year, supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses. It’s vital we continue to invest and provide attractive and fit-for-purpose facilities to make Bournemouth and the surrounding region a great place to live, work, learn and play.”

Councillor Mike Cox, Portfolio Holder for Finance at BCP Council said:

“As one of the South Coast’s leading venues, the Bournemouth International Centre is a huge asset to our area, and we are proud of our investment in its facilities.

“The recent improvement works, carried out by BHLive, really brings it in line with other modern venues across the country and ensures that we continue to attract top events Bournemouth.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the next phase of the project – in particular the living roof on the entrance to the Purbeck Hall which should be a great addition to this fantastic venue.”