MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform a large swathe of Poole town centre have been announced by civic chiefs.

The £134m scheme, boasting a new leisure centre and swimming pool, a bus station, hotel and more than 400 homes could be built as part of the council’s “ambitious” vision for the northern end of the town centre.

Yesterday, shoppers and local businesses told the Echo they welcomed news of renovation in principle - but wanted to know more about the finer details.

Borough of Poole (BOP) would need to secure a development partner to help finance the project, which would include new commercial office space and new public open spaces.

The development would essentially link the Dolphin Shopping Centre to Poole Park, which has already secured significant Heritage Lottery funding for extensive renovation.

Shopper Pauline Barrett said: “This area could be a lot better than it is now, it will be good for the whole town - it has been looking tired for years.”

Broadstone resident Jim Lyford said: “I agree something needs to be done. But the council says it needs private finance on board, so this scheme could be a long way off.

“All areas need modernising otherwise they die off - like Poole High Street.

“A lot of money is being invested in Bournemouth at the moment and Poole needs to get on board as well or the town will simply be left behind.”

Vladamir Zidaru, of Pretzel Dog - a food retailer at the bus station - told the Echo the immediate area was crying out for refurbishment.

But he added: “I’ve heard stories they may move the bus station from here to another place, and that would be very bad for business.

“I agree in principle to this as long as the bus station stays where it is.”

Another bus station retailer said: “Poole needs investment, it is clear to many of the businesses around here.

“This has to be viewed as a positive step for the town.”

On the latest scheme, BOP has announced it is “looking to use its own” assets for the redevelopment including the Kingland Road car park, Seldown car park and coach park and the Dolphin Swimming Poole site.