The corps itself had also increased considerably in size, so much so that the Shelley Road barracks soon proved inadequate for the size of congregation that wished to meet there. As a result of this the corps split into two, with Pokesdown Corps being re-established on its own territory in Woodside Road in March, 1891. Those that remained at Shelley Road formed Boscombe Corps, retaining the original Pokesdown corps number. Likewise there occurred a split in the band, with some bandsmen going to Pokesdown, but the majority seemed to stay at Boscombe.
The continued growth of the corps led to new premises being required and in February 1899 a stone-laying ceremony took place at the site of the new hall in Palmerston Poad. The adjacent thoroughfare was completely blocked by large crowds of interested spectators and the police had some difficulties in maintaining free passage for ordinary traffic. The vicinity of the site was made gay with pennants and bunting and the scaffold poles around the platform were draped with coloured muslins. Prior to the commencement of the stone-laying ceremony by the Mayor, W. Hoare, the band paraded down Palmerston Road, then led the singing of When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.
Just two and a half months later the building was complete, and Jack Pond had the honour of leading the corps procession from the Shelley Road barracks, with music items provided by Boscombe and Watford bands. Arrived at the Citadel, a short service was conducted outside the building by Col. Kilbey, Chief Secretary British Territories. After unlocking the door he said in his address
This edifice is evidence that the Salvation Army is not marching to the grave, as a good many people imagined, but is going on, as much alive as ever
In 1906 the band had the honour of playing for the Founder as he passed through Bournemouth during his Inverness to Plymouth Motor Campaign. Arriving in the square on 25th August, having travelled from Fordingbridge, the General's white car forced its way through a crowd estimated at 3000 while the band continued to play to its biggest ever audience.
