Christchurch underpass spruced up to encourage more shoppers

AN underpass in Christchurch linking Waitrose and Saxon Square has undergone a colourful transformation.

The well-used walkway was revamped in a joint project by BCP Council and the town's chamber of trade and commerce.

As well as benefitting from a deep clean, the tunnel was decorated with artwork which included a newly designed map of Christchurch town centre to encourage visitors to explore. Fourteen photos of Christchurch and surrounding areas also feature, and passers-by can scan a QR code which takes them to the BCP Council tourism page.

The work follows renovations last year which saw stair treads replaced to improve the safety of the route, with security mirrors also installed so pedestrians can see who is in the tunnel before they enter.

Cllr Phil Broadhead, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “It was great to see everyone using the underpass stopping to look at it, and there were so many positive comments – people even took photos and videos.

"This is part of our commitment to sprucing up our high streets in support of our local businesses and economic recovery through encouraging more shoppers into the area. It is also in in line with our commitment to bring back a sense of community pride and improve our public areas and amenities for everyone."