CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe opened a new indoor leisure development this week.

The Oasis, in Glen Fern Road, boasts a bowling alley, arcade, a rainforest-themed adventure golf course, a soft play area and an American-style diner all aimed at providing fun for families, particularly on rainy holidays.

One of the biggest new leisure developments in the town in years, the Oasis is the creation of builder and former AFC Bournemouth chairman Norman Hayward.

Over the past 12 months he has overseen the transformation of a bare concrete basement into a colourful space sure to delight youngsters of all ages.

On Thursday Eddie officially opened the centre, giving the bowling alley a spin in the process.

"This is just what Bournemouth needs," he said.

"There is a lot for young people to do here and it is all under one roof, right at the heart of the town.

"We at the club have had a good relationship with Norman.

"Many fans and people in Bournemouth invested to keep the club afloat and it is great that Norman is using his time and money to invest in something for the town."

Mr Hayward said he was inspired to build the centre after hearing complaints over a lack of wet weather attractions in the town.

"I travel around the country a lot and everybody in leisure says Bournemouth is the place to be," he said, also praising the council's efforts in promoting tourism.

"I believe this area will be the next place to take off, I'm going to see how it goes.

"Everybody tells me how there is nothing to do if it rains, that is what we have targeted."

He said he hoped the centre would also appeal to students, and that if it is successful he would look to invest more in the area.

"I'm proud of the people who have built this, a good team who have done the hard work."

The centre, in the Glen Fern Centre opposite the surface car park, was praised by Councillor Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for tourism and leisure.

"This is a brilliant wet weather attraction and caters for everybody from infants to adults.

"We are delighted at the investment in the town."

Steve Hughes, Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District manager, said: “It’s great to have such a substantial new attraction in the town centre. It’s right next to the cheapest parking in town, making it perfect for families who may want to come and shop or eat and drink and combine it with something for the children. It follows lots of other new shop and restaurant openings, so the town centre is definitely on the up.”