CONTRACTORS are in a race against time to ensure the new waterfront concert space will be ready to kick-start the summer events programme on June 29.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will play two free concerts at 4pm and 8pm on Saturday, June 29 to celebrate the opening of the open air space at Pier Approach and the end of the controversial Imax.

At least 50 construction personnel from Interserve have been working from 6am to 9pm through the week and weekends to make sure the site will be finished on time. Site manager Barry Lacey has announced his retirement will coincide with the much-anticipated opening. He has been waiting for two-and-a-half years to see through the complete demolition of the Imax.

Mr Lacey said: “When I first saw the Imax being built I couldn’t believe what was happening. I am so pleased to see it come down. It’s a great end to a career and a great legacy to leave.”

The extension of the Pier Approach will be used as a flexible open space suitable for silent discos, zumba on the shore, a climbing wall and zip wire and even an ice rink at Christmas. Sarah May, Bournemouth council’s project manager said: “Landscaping work for the space needed for the BSO concerts is progressing as planned. Due to the very tight timetables we have already advised people that final landscaping will take place during July.”

Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of the BSO, said: “It is wonderful to have an area of seafront which can be flexible for the public and we are delighted to be a part of the first Pier Approach concert.”

See all our stories on the Imax, plus pictures, video footage of the demolition and an infographic at bournemouthecho.co.uk/imax