A PARK pavilion will be converted into a sports 'hub' and café if plans are approved.

Borough of Poole has submitted a planning application to itself to revamp Whitecliff Pavilion at Whitecliff Recreation Ground, including new changing facilities for local sport clubs, a new park café, and retaining free access to public toilets.

Council plans would also see a 'multi-functional area' created for community groups with a focus on 'promoting healthy lifestyles'.

Councillor John Rampton, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The development of the pavilion is a fantastic opportunity to expand the services that Whitecliff currently has to offer to the residents of Poole.

"With improved facilities for the sports teams, as well as accessible and functional community spaces, we can ensure that Whitecliff remains a wonderful space for everyone."

The council says it will seek a commercial partner to take the proposal forward later this year, with work potentially beginning in 2018, if planning permission is granted.

The current application is only for outline permission, based on a consultation carried out with local residents and businesses.

Detailed design will require separate permission at a later date, and will, the borough says, include input from park users.

Whitecliff Park was described as a "ghost town" by anti-parking charge campaigners, who claimed the recent introduction of charges in its car park had left the area underused.

The owner of a burger van regularly at the site said she was losing as much as £300-a-day.

The charges apply between March 1 and October 31 each year, from 8am to 3pm on weekdays and from 8am and 6pm on weekends.

Last week Poole planners approved another sports facility for the park.

Former property developer Eddie Mitchell's plans for a high-tech football training arena were granted permission, although it is not clear whether the council will actually allow the centre to be build.

Mr Mitchell wants to install the 'ICON' arena at the eastern edge of the park, just south of the car park adjacent to Sandbanks Road.