THE public are invited to have their say on plans to improve the “major gateway” to Poole’s beaches.

Poole council is due to be submitting a planning application this month for works at Shore Road promenade, but is holding a consultation on the design proposals first.

The £650,000 scheme would see a new watersports centre, beach office and catering outlet built, as well as new and modernised beach huts and refurbished toilets and showers.

Improvements to seating and the landscaping of public areas would also be made.

The council says while Shore Road is a “major gateway for people visiting Poole’s beaches” it is “suffering with outdated infrastructure”.

The proposed improvements “aim to create a space that is more attractive, vibrant and provides a warm welcome”, the council says.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo recently, artist Amanda Moore has been commissioned to work with Simon Morgan, of Morgan Design Studio, to reinvigorate the promenade.

The works are part of the council’s £6.6m seafront regeneration programme, including £1.2m additional funding from the Coastal Communities Fund through the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio.

If approved, building work would start in the autumn.

Three other sites along Poole’s seafront are also being renovated as part of the project, including Flaghead Chine, Branksome Chine and Canford Cliffs.

Councillor John Challinor, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said “These are exciting times and with the funding in place for improving Shore Road, we look forward to hearing the opinions and suggestions of the public. I encourage anyone who enjoys this beautiful area of Poole to come along and get involved.”

Nikki Parker-Goadsby, Dorset Coastal Connections project officer, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project. I am looking forward to hearing the views from the community and visitors to Shore Road on their thoughts and comments about the proposed designs, which aim to enhance this already prestigious location on Poole Seafront and make it more beautiful, with improved facilities that can be enjoyed by so many people.

“Your views will guide the design team in finalising the Shore Road designs before submitting the planning application.”

To view and comment on the plans and talk to the design team, attend the drop-in event at Shore Road promenade between 10am and7pm on Thursday. They will also be on display at Sandbanks beach office from June 15-22.

The proposals can be viewed online from Thursday until Friday, June 22, at seafront.pooleprojects.net/shore-road.