Local Life & Community News in Christchurch, Dorset

New plans have been announced to help protect Christchurch Harbour and improve the way its water quality and environmental health are managed. BCP Council has confirmed £28,000 of funding for a new harbour protection framework, alongside support for bathing-water designation and proposals to give Christchurch Harbour greater recognition within future planning policy.

The Macmillan Unit in Christchurch has received more than £4,200 to help improve spaces used by patients and families receiving palliative care and bereavement support. The donation from the Haskins Charitable Fund followed a nomination from staff member Beverley Stark-Halliwell, whose husband Phil received end-of-life care at the Unit. The funding has already been used for new counselling-room furniture, patient lounge furniture, kitchen equipment and other items.

Discover the projects shaping Christchurch’s future, from new homes and leisure investment to business development, infrastructure improvements and long term plans to protect the town’s distinctive coastline.

Christchurch Quay has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award for 2026, recognising it as one of the UK's finest parks and green spaces. From the open lawns of the Quomps and beautiful riverside views to family-friendly play areas, historic surroundings and community events, discover what makes Christchurch Quay such a special place and why this much-loved Dorset destination deserves its latest award.

Several Christchurch organisations are among 42 community groups and charities receiving support through a £991,899 BCP-wide funding programme. Christchurch Community Partnership, Christchurch Foodbank+, Somerford Youth and Community Centre, Water Lily Project and Christchurch Support Kabin are among the beneficiaries, with one and three-year grants designed to help residents through financial hardship and build greater long-term resilience.

Christchurch is attracting national attention for its 90-minute free parking initiative, which aims to encourage more shoppers into the town centre and support independent businesses. Featured in The Daily Telegraph, the scheme highlights how removing parking charges for short visits could help revive struggling high streets across Britain. As a national campaign calls for 90 minutes of free parking in town centres, Christchurch offers an example of how a simple change could encourage more people to shop locally.

House prices across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have fallen slightly, with flats seeing the sharpest decline. We look at the latest 2026 BCP property figures, what they could mean for first-time buyers and sellers, and why average prices only tell part of the story when buying or selling locally.