AMBITIOUS plans for a ‘gateway’ building in Poole town centre have been created.

The proposed development, which has been named Kingland House, would be built on land in between the George Roundabout and Lighthouse.

Developers Poole Property Investment would knock down the parade of shops and services on Kingland Road, including the Consumer Help Centre, Boots Opticians, Fox & Sons, and Life Church, and build 225 flats across two buildings.

The scheme also includes office space, two food and beverage units on the ground floor, 139 car parking spaces, and 229 cycle parking spaces.

In a design and access statement by Leonard Design Architects on behalf of the developer, the scheme promises to bring residents to the town centre and “increase vitality and quality of life through active frontage and workspace”.

“The proposal is for the provision of high quality apartments in a residential-led development off the George Roundabout, at the gateway to the town centre.”

They said the current site occupied a prime town centre location but was “outdated” and “detracts from the townscape”.

“In contrast the redevelopment of the site and the incorporation of a mix of commercial units at ground floor level with residential accommodation above will add vitality and vibrancy to the townscape.”

The scheme also includes proposals to renovate the subway underpass to include art and CCTV cameras.

The architects said the connection between the site and the train station was “brought up as an issue” as the “underground passageway is seen as derelict and unsafe”.

An area of public realm would be created with the large development, with two small plaza spaces at the north and south for ‘al fresco’ café seating, particularly near Lighthouse.

The site would be in three parts – a commercial base with office space and café units and parking on two levels with a mezzanine.

The flats would be almost equally divided between a tall building on the George Roundabout and a shorter building that extends along Kingland Road.

The site lies within Poole council’s Town Centre North regeneration area for which a £132m development scheme is planned.

The architects say the development of Kingland House “promises a landmark residential development in a sustainable town centre location.”

“The scheme represents a major investment in Poole and contributes to the regeneration of Town Centre North,” they add.