A HOTEL which has stood derelict for 15 years could finally be demolished.

The Cliff End Hotel in Manor Road, Boscombe, will be transformed into a block of retirement flats if planners give a new scheme the green light.

The hotel, which is owned by the Gervis Meyrick Estate, has been empty since 2002. In 2012, it was ravaged by fire.

It has also been used by squatters and damaged by vandals.

Redevelopment plans for a "landmark new building and landscape scheme" on the site will go before members of the public today, Wednesday, September 6.

Sarah Hordern of the Gervis Meyrick Estate said the "badly fire-damaged and vandalised" current building is "a local eyesore".

The plans will also feature a "revitalised gateway to the East Cliff with visual linkage to the adjacent Boscombe Chine Gardens".

Sarah said: "This is an important and complex site and we have spent considerable time designing a high quality scheme which responds to both the Boscombe Chine Gardens and the East Cliff area.

"We believe the redevelopment will significantly enhance the area and we look forward to meeting with local residents to discuss their comments and feedback."

The Daily Echo reported in April this year that the property was labelled a 'dangerous eyesore' by residents.

Some have complained to their ward councillors about the building.

At that time, Andrew England, head of planning and regulation, refused to confirm rumours that permission to demolish the building had been given.

However, he told the Echo: β€œAt this stage all we can say is that we are currently in active discussions with the owner of the site and are optimistic that a proposal for the site might be presented in the near future.”

The hotel was built 130 years ago for the jeweller H Samuel.

In 2013, after the Meyrick Estate re-acquired the site from the Boscombe Partnership, the council drew up a supplementary planning document for the area. This required for the original Victoria core of the building to be retained as part of any future development.

The exhibition will take place at the Queens Hotel in Meyrick Road between 2pm and 8pm.