BOURNEMOUTH council has said that its plans for an adventure golf park on the former Imax cinema site are on track despite a change in designer.

A planning application for the temporary Smugglers’ Cove development, which the council hopes will earn it more than £200,000 a year, has now been submitted.

Initial designs had been drawn-up by Rockart UK but a new design team, Greenspan, has now been appointed to create a detailed design ahead of a tender being issued.

Should permission be granted, the council hopes to begin construction work in the coming months with the aim of opening to visitors in the summer.

Inspiration for the golf park’s theme has been drawn from the area’s smuggling history with the 18-hole course also having “an educational edge”, the council has said.

Design work carried out so far has been concentrated on fitting the attraction in with recent work to revamp the Pier Approach area.

Planting and the materials used to construct the site have been chosen to fit in with the seafront style.

Recycled groyne timbers taken from the beach will be used to create a waterfall which will act as a centrepiece for the course.

Cllr Pat Oakley, its cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “Currently, the waterfront space functions as an event area with mixed success.

“This project aims to deliver a high-quality family attraction for Bournemouth’s visitors and our residents.

“With the inclusion of Bournemouth’s smuggling history, we are able to combine one of the more colourful aspects of our local heritage with a real top-quality family fun attraction.

“I am delighted to offer this addition to Bournemouth’s list of attractions.”

The council has not yet revealed its budget for the project, saying that with the tender process still ongoing, it would be unable to do so.

A decision on whether or not to approve the application will be made in the coming weeks.