This booklet celebrates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Bournemouth Civic Society in 1972. It grew from a group of Bournemouth citizens who opposed a proposed development which would have despoiled most of the seafront from Pier Approach to the West Cliff. It comprised casinos, four large hotels, conference halls and amusement arcades which would have overwhelmed that part of the seafront. The scheme was eventually seen as too large and was rejected.
At that time the conservation movement was still in its infancy as were “green” policies. But the founders saw the need for the protection of our parks and chines; the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and the need for good designs for new developments both large and small.
From this grew the campaigns to conserve older buildings; to lobby for well designed new buildings; for conservation areas and a healthier environment.
The Society has always been non-political, independent and focussed on the protection and enhancement of Bournemouth’s natural and man-made features.
Long may it continue.
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