A MAJOR revamp is planned for a Bournemouth town centre shopping arcade where some shops have lain empty for more than a decade.

Proposals have been submitted to Bournemouth Borough Council for the refurbishment of Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, better known as the Dalkeith Arcade.

Developers say the reasons behind the scheme are an attempt to deal with a high level of vacancies. It is hoped the proposed refurbishment will encourage further investment and persuade other retailers to take on vacant units.

A market stall area will be created on the ground floor with new public seating and breakout space.

Currently, Wilko and Lidl are the main retailers in the centre, and will remain unchanged.

Peacocks, Toymaster and Bonmarche are just some of the shops to have closed on the first floor, where some units have been empty for more than 10 years.

Shopper Christine Hayes told the Echo: “I think investment in this part of town would be good, at the moment this shopping centre is kind of hidden away. There are quite a few empty shop units outside the centre as well.”

There are currently nine vacant outside units along a 200-metres stretch of Old Christchurch Road, from Horseshoe Common to Yelverton Road.

Bournemouth resident Damien Armstrong said: “I’ve been shopping in this centre for years, it is really handy with Wilko and Lidl but I’ve often thought it could do with a revamp. I’m glad to hear someone is trying to invest some money here.”

Meanwhile, Bournemouth Council central ward councillor David Smith said: “It is good to see inward investment of new retail opportunities in Bournemouth town centre and it shows a sign of confidence in the town by investors” Centre owner Sheet Anchor Evolve (London) Ltd wants to modernise and reconfigure the ground floor units. Boyes Rees Architects, in their planning statement in support of the project, explained: “The shopping centre has a high level of vacancy and the proposed development is anticipated to generate potential for further investment and higher levels of retail occupation.”