Built in 1885, the BCP Civic Centre originally opened as a luxury hotel. It became a hospital during the first World War and Bournemouth Town Hall afterwards.

It took on its current identity after the amalgamation of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils in 2019.

The Mont Dore Hotel

In 1885, the Civic Centre opened it's doors as the luxurious Mont Dore Hotel. It was designed to attract wealthy guests and offer them top-notch facilities like central heating, a Turkish bath, a covered tennis court, and a concert hall. The hotel was surrounded by three acres of landscaped gardens and had the telephone number Bournemouth 3.

The hotel was named after the French spa town of Mont Dore in Auvergne, known for its hot baths and vapor inhalation treatments. These treatments were considered highly effective to help alleviate symptoms of tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Dr Horace Dobell, a specialist in chest complaints, built the hotel to cater to a wealthy clientele. The foundation stone was laid in May 1881 by King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway. 

According to the 1888 ‘Bright’s Guide to Bournemouth’ describes it as “The hotel, which is by far the finest building in Bournemouth, contains every modern improvement and convenience which can contribute to the handsomeness of the house and to the health and comfort of its visitors”. The hotel thrived for more than twenty years.

Post war transformation

In 1914, the War Office requisitioned the building to serve as a hospital for wounded soldiers from the British Indian Army, as well as soldiers from the Australian, New Zealand, and British Armies. This marked a significant shift in the building's use and purpose. 

In 1919 it was bought by Bournemouth Corporation and two years later, after refurbishment it became Bournemouth Town Hall with a council chamber added c1930. 

For a time, rock-bands were able to do gigs at Bournemouth Town Hall. Bands that appeared included The Specials (1979), The Cure (1979), Def Leppard (1980) and The Smiths (1984).

In 2019, following the amalgamation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole councils, the building took on its current identity as the BCP Civic Centre.

How to get here

The postcode of this site is: BH2 6DY

Or you can use What3Words: ///minute.span.swept