New Wayfinding Totems and Trails launched in Christchurch

20 new ‘wayfinding totems’ are being installed across Christchurch town centre to help both visitors and residents explore the historic town.  Work starts on their installation at the end of March 2023.

The striking bronze totems display useful information about key locations and facilities across the town and give directions on where to find them. They detail locations such as the railway station, high street, Christchurch Priory, Town Quay, the Quomps, Castle and Norman House, the Red House Museum and Gardens, and the Regent, as well as giving details on routes for walkers and cyclists and key bus stops and bike share locations.

The totems are being installed as part of BCP Council and Dorset Council’s £102m south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme which encourages residents and visitors to walk and cycle rather than drive, particularly for short journeys.

The totems will also display photos of Christchurch taken over the past 130 years. The images have been donated by Christchurch History Society, Hampshire Cultural Trust, the Red House Museum, as well as pictures supplied by local people. Where possible, these photos are matched to the location of the individual totems so viewers can be transported back in time and given a glimpse of what their view would have looked like in years gone by.

These historic images also link to a number of new cultural trails across the area, details of which are will be available to download from the new self-led walking trails webpage on the official Christchurch Information Centre website.

The totems will complement recently installed ‘fingerpost’ signs at key locations across the town. New town centre maps are also available from Christchurch’s library and Tourist Information Centre.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, Net Zero and Transport said: “Christchurch has a great range of attractions, eateries and shops, all within easy walking and cycling distance of each other and the terrain is very flat. The totems will show how quick and easy it is to explore the local neighbourhood on foot or bike, while at the same time learning about the rich history of the town.”

Christina Pengelly from Christchurch BID said: “The wayfinding totems will be a great addition to the town for visitors, business owners and residents.  The maps displayed on the totems provide clear information of what is available in each area of the town such as shopping, cafes, car parks, comfort facilities, and prominent tourist attractions and venues in Christchurch. Thank you to BCP Council’s Transforming Travel team as well as the Destination and Cultural Team for their work on the creation and installation of the totems.”