IMAX basement "not waterproof enough" to be an art gallery

The company Art Aspirations Ltd had unveiled plans for the large subterranean area of the former Waterfront building.

It wanted an art gallery with 20-30 affordable community studio spaces.

But council leader Cllr John Beesley has said more waterproofing is needed on the basement before the council even considers seeking private sector interest in it.

The Waterfront building – whose basement included a nightclub and the lower part of the giant cinema auditorium – was demolished in 2013.

The move was intended to be an interim measure until the economy picked up sufficiently to allow a new development on the site.

Art Aspirations said it wanted a gallery to showcase graduate work from Bournemouth University and the Arts University Bournemouth, as well as pieces from local, national and international artists. Its art director Richard Barnbrook also aimed to establish a charitable trust to offer courses and training to socially disadvantaged young people.

Bournemouth Borough Council leader Cllr John Beesley said: “We are aware that there is interest from a number of different parties in bringing forward proposals for the Waterfront basement space.

“Until very recently, we were concentrating on remedial works to fully waterproof the basement. These were essential before the space could be considered ready for fit-out and operation by the private sector. We still need to monitor the effectiveness of these works, following which we intend to commence marketing of the space later in the year.

“The marketing brief will detail the council’s expectations for leisure and cultural uses within the basement space. It will be for the market to determine what is viable in that location. The council will then consider which, if any, is the most desirable use from the options received at that time.

“All potential bidders will need to demonstrate that their proposals for this space are appropriate, affordable and sustainable in the short- to medium-term.”