Bauer Media Outdoor and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have worked together to introduce two installations of the supplier’s pioneering Milestone all-timber bus shelter on Bournemouth seafront.
That is the first UK deployment of the latest Milestone design, which replaces the existing low-carbon concrete bench and planter with timber versions. Bauer adds that ‘out of home’ advertising continues to help fund such innovation.
The Milestone range has been developed following research with more than 3,200 bus users and disability organisations, including Scope and the Thomas Pocklington Trust. It is intended to improve accessibility, comfort, safety and protection from the weather while minimising carbon emissions, Bauer says.
Utilised in the new variant are engineered timber construction, living roofs and planters with biodiversity-enhancing plants, and improved seating and lighting alongside new safety features. The timber bus shelter gives what Bauer claims is up to a 71% reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions when compared to a traditional metal installation.
As used in Bournemouth, the shelters include:
-
- Timber from responsibly managed Scottish Douglas fir forests
- Other sustainable materials, including low-carbon glass
- Living roofs and planters to support pollinators and urban wildlife
- Improved seating focused on comfort and support
- Smart lighting that is evenly distributed, providing safer waiting environments and improved visibility at night
- A backlit timetable display.
The wider Milestone range was launched in Basildon during 2025. There are now 20 shelters in the UK, with others in mainland Europe.
Says Bauer Media Outdoor Managing Director Will Ramage: “Milestone reimagines what a humble bus shelter can be. By taking an everyday street object and transforming it into a highly innovative, 100% timber structure that enhances biodiversity, we have created something truly remarkable.
“We are thrilled to bring this pioneering British infrastructure to the Bournemouth seafront, helping to encourage more bus use and significantly improve the passenger experience.”
Adds Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool Council cabinet member with responsibility for sustainable travel Cllr Andy Hadley: “We know just how important good public transport is to residents across BCP.
“Passengers recently placed BCP in the top 10 locations nationwide for bus customer satisfaction, and these new shelters will, I am sure, enhance the experience of passengers even further.
“From here, passengers can catch frequent open-top buses along the cliff top, with panoramic views of over seven miles of award-winning golden beaches and the spectacular coastline. This is the perfect place to launch two ground-breaking, eco-friendly Milestone bus shelters.”
