Bournemouth has become the first town in the UK to tackle the disposable BBQ issue by installing free to use electric cooktops across its coastline.

People are becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact disposable BBQ’s have. They can retain heat for hours even when buried in the sand, posing substantial risks should someone walk on them. They often contribute to litter and use charcoal, which isn’t sustainably sourced and contributes to deforestation. 2022 saw many locations across the UK ban the use of disposable BBQs on their beaches with many supermarkets withdrawing them from their shelves.

On the other side of this coin, people still want to, and should be able to enjoy barbeques in public areas, especially along our beautiful coast lines. Therefore, simply banning single use BBQs doesn’t seem a viable long-term answer. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council wanted a solution that welcomed the public and allowed them to safely enjoy BBQs across its stunning seafront locations while also protecting the environment.

In February 2021, Nicola Khosravi, the destination development officer for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, contacted outdoor street furniture supplier All Urban to discuss installing fixed electric barbeques across its various coastal locations as part of its multi-million pound Summer Readiness Plans.

All Urban was asked to provide electric barbeques that would be safe, convenient, and easy to use and maintain. They also had to withstand the corrosive beachfront location along the Bournemouth promenade. All Urban is the proud UK supplier of the Australian brand Christie Barbecues and knew that their products would be ideal for the job.

Christie invented the wildly popular Australian public barbecue. They have been designing and manufacturing in Australia since 1972. Their communal-use barbeque cooktops have proven successful across thousands of locations.

Unlike domestic or commercial products, Christie’s communal barbeques are explicitly designed for outdoor public use. They are safe, durable, reliable, and energy-efficient while providing a great cooking experience.

Paul Conradie (pictured), head of sales, Christie Barbeques comments: 'Communities across Australia have been getting to know each other by sharing food around our barbecues for over fifty years. They are a great way to activate and enjoy public outdoor spaces. We are all aware of the health benefits of being outside, and our products bring people together outdoors in a safe, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable way. We are very excited by this initiative from BCP Council, leading the way for the British public to enjoy this great Australian tradition.'

The BCP Council installed many Christie cooktops at Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth Pier, Branksome Chine, Portman Ravine and Fisherman’s Walk across winter 2021/22, in a selection of Christie’s durable single and double cooktop barbeque cabinets as pictured.

Nickie Khosravi (pictured), destination development officer, Destination and Culture, BCP Council comments: 'BCP Council purchased 27 Christie electric barbecue units through their UK partner, All Urban. These barbecues have been installed at various locations across our 15-mile stretch of coastline for locals and visitors to enjoy, free of charge. Throughout the summer the barbecues have proved to be extremely popular, bringing everyone together outside to enjoy this Aussie tradition. The Christie cooktops offer a safe, waste free, environmentally friendly and efficient way to cook whilst enjoying our beautiful beaches. They are a fabulous addition to our coastline.'

These newly installed electric BBQs are free to use and provide a great way for friends and families to gather at the beach and enjoy the outdoor space. The barbeques have been a huge success in Bournemouth this past summer. BCP will surely be the first of many councils to install this facility.

If you would like to find out more about these barbeque cooktops and how they could improve your town or city, please contact us at info@allurban.co.uk.

This article is sponsored by All Urban.