If they want to get rid of anything, they should get rid of the IMAX! Losing this road would mean traffic jams galore after the BIC kicks out after an event.

Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: "The beach and Pier Approach is in effect Bournemouth's shop window, yet at the moment the flyover provides an unsightly barrier

Not compared to the IMAX it doesn't!

ThIS IS THE FIRST CONSTUCTIVE AND SENSIBLE IDEA I HAVE SEEN FOR YEARS. THE BUSES COUKLD BE ROUTED VIA WESTOVER ROAD ( POSSIBLY TRAMS ) AND LEAVE THE GARDEN APPROACH TO AL FRESCO DINNING , NOT FUNFAIR RIDES. THE IMAX WOULD HAVE TO GO WITH A MORE LOW LEVEL LAND MARK VENUE IN THE AREA. SOMEWHERE WHERE YOU CAN SIT AND LET THE LAST RAYS OF THE EVEING SUN WASH OVER YOU, AS EVERYTHING IN THIS AREA SEEMS TO HAVE ITS BACK TO THE SUN BY 4PM.

To be fair it wouldnt effect me as i drive a cab ,but what a ridiculous idea ,it is a very important access road east to west and vise-versa we certainly dont need one LESS road. i would agree that if any demolition would improve the view its that of the Imax which is a monstrosity that would be at home on an industrial estate. a crime was committed when that eyesore was constructed

Good idea, but totally impractical regarding traffic. Why not just tidy up the flyover - get rid of the advertising banners and fit troughs planted up with greenery and the flowers which Bournemouth does so well.
Also, we already have botanical gardens (Boscombe, Alum Chine, Central Gardens; overhead walk - go to Moors Valley. Childrens indoor playground#waterpark is what we need - but not quite in that position.

Interesting idea. However I cannot help wondering if this will be just another expensive excercise that goes nowhere. Our council is very keen to study things but seems unable to take any actions as a result of the study. We don't need another farce like the winter gardens. Lot's of study and no results.

Anybody who remembers what it was like down there prior to the flyover being built will remember the problem with pedestrians trying to cross the road
I cant see how the traffic can be diverted elsewhwhere unless you put it back through the Square so this is a complete nonsense but it gives the allusion of making a decision
All that will happen will be a lot of hot air ,probably expenditure on expensive consultants and then a decision to improve the appearance of the flyover leaving the status quo

If one is old enough (late 60s early 70s) one would recall the times in the summer when the traffic jams extended back to the Central Station due to Pier Approach as it was then and how many cars on the road then!! It was quicker to walk to the Square than catch a bus, which I did many a time. Leave it as it is, pedestrian are now segregated from traffic . It aint broke so don't fix it

WHY DO WE NEED THE FLYOVER.TRANSFER THE TRAFFIC VIA WESTOVER ROAD, PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ONLY IN THE LOWER AREA, SAFER FOR TOURISTS AND CYCLISTS. I THOUGHT WE WERE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF CARS. WE HAVE ENOUGH ROADS AND BYPASSES TO USE AS ALTERNATIVES.

Imax should be knocked down without a shadow of a doubt but what a silly idea thinking of removing the flyover, is such an important link.

The IMAX building is pretty much the ugliest thing around that area and should be destroyed.

If the traffic problems can genuinely be solved, which I doubt, then go ahead and knock down the flyover too. The other road that could be closed is Gervis place, creating a continuous traffic free area from the square to the pier.

I don't think continental al-fresco style dining is really going to work considering the low temperatures and high precipitation we experience in Bournemouth. Though it would make a change from the current alcohol culture.

If the council really want to seek the views of the public, why don't they start an internet discussion board?

If we ignore the impracticality of removing a main transport route, who is to pay for all this? Not us I hope. Is there no way that we can stop the care free spending of tax money on these impractical cosmetic building projects, or do the hoteliers and builder/developers rule supreme in the Town Halls?

The relatively small numbers of holiday makers who would appreciate the view without the fly-over cannot possibly justify the enormous cost of removal of the structure and re-establishment of the old route across the square.

And some might feel that the fly-over has an intrinsic beauty of it’s own in it‘s elegant sweep right across the valley. The divide between the gardens and the sea front emphasis the differences between the two worlds, and the shade and cover from the sudden rain shower has been much appreciated by many.

Of course we all know that Melanie Vass has just written a stimulating interesting scandal article to get us all going this morning before we settle down to work, and that the Council has no intention of throwing good money away on such a crazy scheme -

Don’t we?

Adrian X, Poole on 9:08am todayNow that is a very good idea!

Adrian X, Poole on 9:08am today

If the council really want to seek the views of the public, why don't they start an internet discussion board?

Now that is a very good idea!

2Much wrote:
If they want to get rid of anything, they should get rid of the IMAX! Losing this road would mean traffic jams galore after the BIC kicks out after an event.

Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: "The beach and Pier Approach is in effect Bournemouth's shop window, yet at the moment the flyover provides an unsightly barrier

Not compared to the IMAX it doesn't!

Spot on!

I think it's a brilliant idea. What does the flyover really link anyway? East and west cliff? The traffic could be re-routed behind the cinemas and round the top of Richmond hill. Who needs to drive in front of the Imax and BIC anyway? Why not get rid of it completely? Locals would only have a small detour to make, and all the grockles should be detered from driving into the town anyway.

It's such a good idea. Knock it down, knock the IMAX down and that area would flourish! It would be so, so much better.

I think it's a brilliant idea. What does the flyover really link anyway? East and west cliff? The traffic could be re-routed behind the cinemas and round the top of Richmond hill. Who needs to drive in front of the Imax and BIC anyway? Why not get rid of it completely? Locals would only have a small detour to make, and all the grockles should be detered from driving into the town anyway.

It's such a good idea. Knock it down, knock the IMAX down and that area would flourish! It would be so, so much better.

Having read most of the Vision Consultation, I am liking a lot of what is proposed, planned, or in thinking to improve Bournemouth and its Town Centre area and the area of Pier Approach.

Regarding the flyover. One possible idea which would alleviate both the problem of the flyover, and traffic and pedestrian congestion by using a pedestrian crossing. Why not have an under pass, which leaves the gardens, and rises again on the pier side. This will then allow the road to be brought back to ground level, thus opening up the views back from the pier, which is the objective. Secondly this would then cut back on change of infrastructure within the town centre. We retain the through East to West traffic flow, with a safe walk way for the pedestrians.

Seafront. We must get rid of the IMAX building. With the Pavilion showing off its new look, it is marred by this monstrosity across the road, at the same time blocking out the views across the bay.

It would be a good idea to build a single storey building in line with the decor of the other buildings adorning the Pier Approach, and use this building as a wet weather activities area, such as a swimming pool, indoor sports etc etc.

As for the gardens. I am all for the proposals, and much more.

Are people really suggesting that the closing of this road would not cause gridlock elsewhere?

There are 100's of cars passing over it every hour - to route them "behind the cinema" - a small narrow one way system would result in chaos.

Or would you send it all down Old Christchurch Rd? - Chaos.

Or feed all traffic to the Wessex Way and make it go the long way round? Well that never gets busy does it......

I think this is all wildly speculative. I certainly don't want to see an increase in Council Tax bills to fund this, nor will there be loads of private investment as we enter a recession.

Quote Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: "The beach and Pier Approach is in effect Bournemouth's shop window, yet at the moment the flyover provides an unsightly barrier and the Pier Approach is cluttered. Tackling this area is a major step in the vision.

Reply Whilst I do agree with Cllr Beesley, that this is an awful eyesore as is. It is also most important to prioritise traffic flow hence I would suggest that instead of a wasteful destructive solution as mentioned. There is an alternative .

1 Approach designers to forward a futuristic plan for a suitable floral Facade so as to get the best of both Worlds.

2 Approach designers to forward a futuristic plan for a suitable facade to cover this dreadful BIC as it looks reminiscent to a Prison Block as is. It certainly spoils any photography when it gets in a frame.

3 Approach designers to forward a futuristic plan to turn the IMAX into an International sized Swimming Pool and Ice Rink. Plus approach designers to forward a futuristic plan for a suitable facade to the IMAX .

Meanwhile take a good look at
Bournemouth Picture Gallery link below:

http://dorsetvisualg
uide.co.uk/Bournemou
th_Picture_Gallery.h
tm

What a ridiculous idea! It needs tidying up ie; get rid of the Imax but not the flyover. They need to create better traffic flow in Bournemouth, not make it worse.

The main problem with the IMAX has always been that it blocks out the views across Poole Bay as you drive down Bath Road. If the flyover is demolished, then there will in any case be no road to see the view of the main part of Bournemouth seafront and the IMAX may just as well stay. This should be
proof enough alone of the need to retain the flyover; not to mention the traffic problems caused throughout the rest of town if this route were closed.
Nor do we so much need more expensive and exclusive Alfresco dining areas as perhaps AlfGarnett eating areas that families and pensioners can actually afford to eat in when they are enjoying a day at the seaside (especially as so often the English weather drives them off the beach).

I agree with many others that the most important thing to do is to get rid of the useless ugly Imax building - it's just a joke that brings down Bournemouth's reputation. I agree that we still need a road tho, so why not build a tunnel - solving the ugly flyover problem and not causing even more traffic issues in busy periods.

Good idea to demolish the flyover, the road link could be re-established by the reintroduction of the roundabout in the Square and opening up Gervis Place to all traffic. The car park at Exeter Crescent would make a good site for public transport instead of busses clogging up the road outside W H Smith. One last point, no more fairgrounds outside the pier approach.

Demolish the flyover, but leave the rubble. You could then charge people £1 a go to throw the rocks at the IMAX.

Everyone's a winner!

Demolish the flyover, and the IMAX and use the rubble to help make the reef. That will save some money certainly.

Sorry could not resist that.

lol, lol, lol

FletcherTheCat wrote:
Demolish the flyover, but leave the rubble. You could then charge people £1 a go to throw the rocks at the IMAX. Everyone's a winner!

Let him who casts the first stone be without sin.
No chance of more publicity for Bournemouth Council or Tobias Elwood there then!

I would like to see the IMAX demolished first. It is not used for what it was built for. It is questionable why it was built there at the first place.

How many years has the IMAX building (or at least the majority of it) been empty for now?

Yes IMAX should be bulldozed.

But will the demolition company employed be able to supply the sizeable brown envelopes that the councillors got first time round from the developers????

Sounds like a great idea to me. It's good to see the council are finally realising that the beach and it's approaches are the towns biggest, and free assets. Take a page from the resorts found abroad...cafe's bars and restaurants along the seafront. We've got seven miles of beach here, lets make the most of it.
With regards to the traffic, is a tunnel instead of a flyover not viable?

Without the Flyover, traffic from West Cliff would from the BIC to the Triangle (past the New C&A flagship site), turn right, past M&S and thro the Sqaure by Boarders (over the dangerous pedestrain crossing), right at the Town Hall and up St. Stephens Road to the dangerous junction at Richmond Hill (outside the Echo Office)(where the council have failed to take action to improve peds/cars conflict). Or with the flyover, the vehicles are separated from people for about 3/4 of a mile. Lets hope common sense prevails: keep the flyover.

Seeing as there is millions to spend on the holidaymakers, can we please have the roads around Westbourne and Alum Chine resurfsaced first. Apparently there isn't any money to do this. We must have the worst roads in the county. Not everyone own a hotel or lives in the town centre or is a daytripper !

Are people seriously suggesting knocking down the fly-over & rerouting traffic through the pedestrianised town centre instead?! I wonder if any of these people live in the local area & travel along those roads every day...? I seriously doubt it, otherwise they'd know what a stupid idea it is - unless the master plan is to bring the whole town to a gridlock?

If the Imax is demolished, there will be room to widen the current road to a dual carriageway. I hope this equally ridiculous proposal will also be given consideration...

Roger wrote:
Interesting idea. However I cannot help wondering if this will be just another expensive excercise that goes nowhere. Our council is very keen to study things but seems unable to take any actions as a result of the study. We don't need another farce like the winter gardens. Lot's of study and no results.

The Echo scores again! --There are apparently two of us registered to this forum as 'Roger,Bournemouth'. Fortunately, I happen to agree with this post from the other 'Roger'. Lets hope we always agree - if we don't it could be fun! I guess could always write rude things, and blame the other 'Roger' ....oh, wait a minute, so can he......!

The IMAX was a disaster except for those who got the backhanders. And is it actually open? Pull it down I say - it blocks the views.
Also the amusement arcades on the pier and on the esplanade should be gotten rid of if there was a way to do this

We need ... a Tunnel. Out to sea and back. With a ferry. An amusements arcade island. An Imax cinema as an poor weather attraction. All paid for by the council tax.

Annette wrote:
The IMAX was a disaster except for those who got the backhanders. And is it actually open? Pull it down I say - it blocks the views.
Also the amusement arcades on the pier and on the esplanade should be gotten rid of if there was a way to do this

Spot on

Interesting idea but some serious problems.
Leaving the BIC at the end of a cul-de-sac isn't very sensible really.

Would only leave Wessex way as the route across town. One minor accident and the town would basically stop!!!

For the sake of making pier approach look a bit more pleasant for holidaymakers who spend perhaps one or two weeks of the year in our town, this proposal would make the town centre a much more unattractive place for those of us who actually live there. If that fly-over goes, all the traffic will have to find another way through - it won't simply disappear. All the smaller roads through town will be chock full of cars & lorries adding to the air & noise pollution, as well as turning a stroll through town into a game of death when trying to cross the roads.

Who exactly are Bournemouth council there to serve - the holidaymakers, or the residents who pay their wages and fund stupid little schemes like this?

Presumably this work would be out to tender and not just given to a friendly local construction company (with the right connections)?

I don't find the flyover unattractive at all either from on it or from below. In fact it always gave a very welcoming view of the Purbecks when I used to visit the town. Coming the other way you could see the Isle of Wight. In fact cars used to drive slowly over it just to admire the views and watch the people swimming. As many have pointed out, the flyover's not the problem, the IMAX is. Get rid of that and restore the lovely views.

As a child I remember coming down Bath Hill on the bus to the spectacular views. The building where the Imax now stands used to be an olympic size swimming pool with diving boards and I spent half of my teenage life there. I also used to perform in the aqua show, nothing like this now is there! All of this brings back good childhood memories for me. They now have this monstrocity of a building (IMAX) which has taken away what must have compared to some of the best views in the UK. Now there is no where to swim in the town centre, no where for teenagers to go and just have fun. Whoever granted permission for these plans to be passed should be locked up. Knock down the IMAX Centre, get some wet weather activities for both our local kids, teenagers and holiday makers to enjoy and if you must knock down the flyover, build an underpass to replace it. There now that wasn't too difficult was it.

Hay that roads great its like the beginning of a Roller Coaster, lets have a loop the loop in the middle that way you will see all the views and become an attraction as well.
It does sound like they have got bored with trying to sort out the Imax though.
I am more interested in why Goadsby and harding seem to beholding the town to ransom in there high rates, there are so many empty buildings in the town, that company is like everywhere.

This is an important road link to loose it would cause traffic chaos all round the town centre area to improve the view all thats needed is to demolish the IMAX

If this happens there would be mega traffic increase on the feeder roads east west including Bourne Ave and Branksome Wood Rd. Must state this as I live along there!!

Going back to how the town was is now impossible.There is only two main ways in and out of the town centre, and the flyover has to stay.Perhaps after demolishing the great building of the Pier Approach swimming pool, the council have learnt their lesson. Stop pulling down, start building up.Ice rink, bus station, swimming pool. then go from there.

The main problem with the IMAX has always been that it blocks out the views across Poole Bay as you drive down Bath Road.

Have a look at this old postcard of the Baths. Didn't they also block the view to some extent? http://cgi.ebay.co.u
k/Real-Photo-PC-Earl
y-Motors-cars-outsid
e-New-Baths_W0QQitem
Z110276765842QQcmdZV
iewItem?hash=item110
276765842&_trkparms=
72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C6
6%3A2%7C65%3A12&_trk
sid=p3911.c0.m14.l13
18

Restore the outstanding view over Poole Bay when descending Bath Hill - Demolishing the Imax building is a good start.

Firstly, let's for the love of God stop going on about ice rinks. I don't see the private sector chomping at the bit to bring one to the town, and of all the things the council could subsidise it shouldn't be a room full of frozen water.

Bournemouth does seem pretty keen on 'masterplans' and 'visions' for the town centre...I can recall something similar about 2 years ago, and then there is the DTZ masterplan from earlier in the decade.

Bournemouth does need to keep thinking about how it improves as both a 'destination' and a place to live, but I'm not sure how helpful it is repeatedly issuing new artists impressions of this and that, and raising expectations e.g. the Triangle was meant to become a piazza in one old masterplan, but there was never the cash to implement this.

The flyover is never going to go, no administration would ever risk the backlash from Bournemouth's car-wedded commuters, but hopefully the consultants have included some realistic and affordable proposals.

John wrote:
The main problem with the IMAX has always been that it blocks out the views across Poole Bay as you drive down Bath Road. If the flyover is demolished, then there will in any case be no road to see the view of the main part of Bournemouth seafront and the IMAX may just as well stay. This should be proof enough alone of the need to retain the flyover; not to mention the traffic problems caused throughout the rest of town if this route were closed. Nor do we so much need more expensive and exclusive Alfresco dining areas as perhaps AlfGarnett eating areas that families and pensioners can actually afford to eat in when they are enjoying a day at the seaside (especially as so often the English weather drives them off the beach).

Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Whenare we getting the much promised and needed ice rink, (at least promised when the last rink became a gala bingo hall). Isn't it about time the idiots in charge of the council realised people need more than cinemas to entertain them.

Richard wrote:

John wrote:
The main problem with the IMAX has always been that it blocks out the views across Poole Bay as you drive down Bath Road. If the flyover is demolished, then there will in any case be no road to see the view of the main part of Bournemouth seafront and the IMAX may just as well stay. This should be proof enough alone of the need to retain the flyover; not to mention the traffic problems caused throughout the rest of town if this route were closed. Nor do we so much need more expensive and exclusive Alfresco dining areas as perhaps AlfGarnett eating areas that families and pensioners can actually afford to eat in when they are enjoying a day at the seaside (especially as so often the English weather drives them off the beach).

Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

'EVERYONE' goes on about it as it is an eyesaw as it has wrecked the views to the Purbecks. Just because something was there before does it mean we have to have something now?

Its a great view or do you prefer looking at the IMAX. Your entitled to your opinion. But as you state by using the word 'EVERYONE' even you admit your thoughts are in a minority. Never met a single person who thought that was a great idea.

Just a few councillors at the time who lined there pockets. Perhaps someone would be generous enough to line the new lots pockets by pulling it down.

At least that would be a bribe well spent.

Ted wrote:

The main problem with the IMAX has always been that it blocks out the views across Poole Bay as you drive down Bath Road.

Have a look at this old postcard of the Baths. Didn't they also block the view to some extent? http://cgi.ebay.co.u k/Real-Photo-PC-Earl y-Motors-cars-outsid e-New-Baths_W0QQitem Z110276765842QQcmdZV iewItem?hash=item110 276765842&_trkparms= 72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C6 6%3A2%7C65%3A12&_trk sid=p3911.c0.m14.l13 18

I managed with some difficulty to get the link to work. It was well worth while! What a differences the years have made, we are so congested now.

I thing the council should close the town completely to all traffic and set up a schema of tram lines and use trams around the town like they do in San Francisco area. Buy Cutting the town to traffic completely would save the council millions and thus council could use all its car parks for private development to complete the government targets of development of housing as then they will have the land available to succeed in completing the amount of housing they so need. If that in directly affect he IMAX Cinema were it does not take as much money in time and then has to close then it is a good idea to have that demolish and open it up completely so Bournemouth Sea and across the Bay area can once again gain the Big Window of Bournemouth that once we all use to enjoy. This is the best window of all to be able to view Bournemouth from top of Richmond hill. I believe that is Bournemouth greatest asset. Without the Imax.

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

Here's an idea.....Demolish the grotesque Imax, as already mentioned by many other people on this forum. Then demolish the monstrous concrete eyesore that looms right across the sea front. Finally ban all motorized vehicles, apart from emergency, delivery, and the odd open topped seaside bus.....What a breath of fresh air that would bring to this lovely old seaside town, which has unfortunately become in recent years a mere shadow of it's former glory. Alas !!!, however, it is just a Pipe dream. We would also need to demolish many of the ugly blocks of tacky looking flats that have sprung up in recent years. Close down the "Dens of Iniquity" and rid the streets of the drunken "waifs & strays".....

A lovely thought !!!

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

Posted by: APMF, bournemouth on 4:22pm today

Quote I remember coming down Bath Hill on the bus to the spectacular views.The building where the Imax now stands used to be an olympic size swimming pool with diving boards and I spent half of my teenage life there,

Now there is no where to swim in the town centre, no where for teenagers to go.

Reply Yes APMF it was a beautiful and very useful place to visit and use.

I don't believe Town Councillors care a dam about teenagers or children, all they care about is build, build, build.

Then they wonder why youngsters get bored and get into trouble , is it any wonder?

Nighthawk wrote:

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please try this if the above link fails to work.

Nighthawk wrote:

Nighthawk wrote:

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please try this if the above link fails to work.

Third time lucky......

The above links are both identical and correct. When typed the link is in one line. When posted by this forum they appear in three lines, which for some reason prevents them from working when copied and pasted.

Please therefore make sure you put this link in one line only on your browser, otherwise only half of it will display, preventing it from working.

Nighthawk wrote:

Nighthawk wrote:

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please try this if the above link fails to work.

Third time lucky......

The above links are both identical and correct. When typed the link is in one line. When posted by this forum they appear in three lines, which for some reason prevents them from working when copied and pasted.

Please therefore make sure you put this link in one line only on your browser, otherwise only half of it will display, preventing it from working.

Nighthawk wrote:

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please try this if the above link fails to work.

Nighthawk wrote:

henry wrote:

RICHARD: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths which the council knocked down and replaced with the wave pool in the BIC which no longer exists. We vote them in they do as they please give the Imax complex a face lift bring back the trams, just do something to make Bournemouth Fun again something for all the age groups not small groups of it

Because the view of Poole Bay just takes you aback.. Just imagine arriving by train or car and descending Bath Hill. I think the Pier Approach Baths were situated where the car park is, not the Imax building and was set back.

The old Pier Approach Baths were also located in a far more attractive building. The Imax has only one claim to fame, and that is being nominated the third ugliest building in the UK by Channel 4 for its Demolition programme, a series about bad architecture, which was screened from 12/12/2005 for 10 weeks.

In first place was the City of Hull, and in second place :- Cumbernauld Shopping Centre which was the centrepiece of an awarding-winning 1960s new town near Glasgow. It is largely now abandoned, just like the IMAX....
http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please have a look at this link....Included is Bournemouth's Ugly Imax.

http://society.guard
ian.co.uk/gall/0,,16
65558,00.html

Please try this if the above link fails to work.

The Echo soft wear for this forum leaves and awful lot to be desired.

I apologise for my comment repeatedly being displayed. Everytime I click back to this page to read any new comments, it keeps repeating mine above.

SORRY TO ALL OTHERS

Richard wrote: Why does everyone keep harping on about the veiws over poole bay being bloked by the Imax complex these veiws used to be blocked by the Pier Approach baths

See the following links to see the difference between the two buildings. I vote for the Bournemouth Baths Building.

http://www.francisfr
ith.com/search/engla
nd/dorset/bournemout
h/photos/bournemouth
_B163144.htm

or

http://www.geograph.
org.uk/photo/757630

I can always remember walking by the Royal Bath and seeing the Old Harry Rocks over the top of the Baths. This of course cannot be done as the IMAX is much higher.

Pleased to see that Bournemouth & it's surrounding districts still has its fair share of idiots.What o load of rubbish. Firtly the old Pier approach was NEVER an Olympic size pool and secondly the local council does not own the IMAX so cannot pull it down.The old baths wwas no picture itself and also obsured the view.Before the flyover was built there was chaos with cars and pedestrians at constant conflict with one another.Get rid of the awful fun fair on Red Square, take away and the smelly burger bars.Open up Gervis Place again so traffic can flow freely up and down Old Christchurch Road. Finally stop people who know little about Bournemouth and its history trying to make a name for themselves on line.

And we are to believe that you know it all Mr. Omegaman. You obviously do not know Bournemouth as well as some do. Why do you think so many people often refer to the views across to Old Harry Rocks, not just on this forum but many others. Because it could be seen, but not since the IMAX was built. You are right about one thing, again we know, the IMAX is not owned by the Council, but I think it is high time that the Council stepped in and made a closure notice on it, because it does not provide anything to the town, except an eye sore.

What gives you the right to be so flippant, and to call other members idiots. We are entitled to our opinions just like you. Are we to only believe that you know the town.

Pull down the Imax....Build a low profile Cable car/Gondola station.Erect a cable car route over the gardens with a stop off station at the square then on through the gardens past the Town Hall(where you can see your elected members having thier meetings)then on through to Westbourne having the termination station in Milburn road car park.Then the option is left open for future expansion to Alum Chine and Hengistbury head.A world beater.

The fly-over means there is less traffic through the town centre. So are the plans to divert the existing traffic through that... As someone else said get rid of the IMAX building...

Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 9:50pm Thu 7 Aug 08

Quote I vote for the Bournemouth Baths Building.

Reply well said Christopher .

We Aliens have noted another intelligent life force on these threads.

You get five stars for your input, Plus 1000 Star credits to use in Asda.

For those who doubt the beauty of the area view 'Dorset Visual Guide' .

Copy paste link to browser below:

http://dorsetvisualg
uide.co.uk/

There is a lot of meat in this document, but some of it isn't very well cooked, and the whole thing seems to have been slapped together in bite-sized chunks, so that the "public consultation" can be contributed to by people without much to add.

Firstly, we need to recognise that this phase is only one phase of a town regeneration project. I know that will need huge amounts of money, but there should be one vision for the whole town, and then sub-studies would be able to tap into the overall concepts and the net result, in 2025 or 2030, would be a town that would have some consistency to it.

Second, the long-term nature of what is proposed means that councils, with their effective two-year lifespan, are the wrong body to be dealing with it. You can't plan long-term if your horizon is limited by the next election. Maybe we need to set up a body with specific authority to produce an overall plan.

Third, there is no real vision of what the town should be, and its place within the greater society. Do we still want to be a place with a tendency towards an older population base, or do we actually want to attract new commercial operations to the town? Do we want to be a destination resort, or a residential town? Or a mixture of both? Obviously, a destination resort needs some kind of policy regarding redevelopment and provision of hotel rooms, facilities for holidaymakers, facilities, car and public transport access to the town (the existing "interchange" is a joke) etc.

My point really is that all these issues need considering in their totality, and not just as isolated parts. And kudos to the Echo for opening up the debate, but really, the council needs to provide a properly set up website for discussion, feedback, etc., that is operated by (and paid for by) the local authority, and not rely on the generosity and availability of other people's facilities (such as this website).

Councillors, are you listening? Are you reading this discussion thread? Members of staff, ditto?

omegaman...An Olympic size swimming pool is... 50 mtrs in length. Pier Approach swimming pool was... 50 mtrs in lenght. So instead of labelling everyone who posts comments on this site as IDIOTS get your facts right and put your brain in gear Doh

Posted by: Nigel Blumenthal, Central Bournemouth on 10:55am today

Quote public transport access to the town (the existing "interchange" is a joke) etc.

Reply Some good points you raise here Nigel .

I take it you mean the dreadful set up that exists as to buses using existing roads near the Town Square?

The smell of diesel and choking fumes is almost overtaking as the buses don't switch off thier engines very often and just pour out this potent smell of diesel all day long.

The town once had a most lovely well sited Central Bus Station it had an area below for coaches , above the buses were kept in neat order and a well designed set up of bus stops with information clearly visible,

The Bus station had a splendid restaurant with views over the town Centre and Gardens a delight to sit and eat in.

There was an array of shops in the complex and the station was something the whole Town could be proud of.

Yet when it mysteriously burnt down never to be replaced there has always been this open question.


Why was it not rebuilt?

Yes, Town councillors why did you let the area become a tip?

If anyone has any photos of the Bus Station do send them to 'Dorset Visual Guide' and we will gladly host them for all to see?

Town Councillors should start with prioritising the Transport Infrastructure as mentioned above, never mind the flannel.

Quote the council needs to provide a properly set up website for discussion, feedback,

Reply I can't agree with you Nigel as to the Town Council supplying a feed back as they would most likely extract anything they don't agree with.

Who the hell trusts Town Councils, they have a dreadful reputation just look at what they have allowed to happen in this town.

At least The Echo is a neutral body which I would sooner trust any time of the day.

Right after I made those nice comments about the Echo and its allowing the use of its website to foster this debate, the site contents list changed and I can't now find access to this page except through a bookmark. Guys, this is the reason why I wanted the town to host this discussion. Please restore front-page access either to the story or to the comments set.

Carl's quote : "I take it you mean the dreadful set up that exists as to buses using existing roads near the Town Square?"

Actually, Carl, I didn't, although you're quite correct - that's an absolute mess too. No, I meant the "Travel Interchange" at St Paul's roundabout, which is supposed to serve intercity buses and the train station. Except that, because of its lousy design, if you arrive at the bus station and want a cab, for instance, you have to drag your cases across the bus forecourt (across the path of any incoming buses), then walk back to the ramp, then down to the head of the queue of taxis which, because of the design, can only park in front of the station. And also the fact that the car parking apparently belongs to the railway, and they have recently started restricting use of it by bus passengers who want to take a day trip on the bus, instead of pouring more CO2 into the air by using their own car. It's not anyone's idea of integrated, or convenient, and simply lacks a bit of planning and decent design. That disease happens everywhere in this town, though.

I also take your point about the possibility of interference on a website run by the council; however, the Echo can also do the same, and the plusses that could arise from the town having access to an archived set of real comments, and to the town's not relying on the charity of a commercial organisation to host it, far outweigh that possibility. So far, the town is apparently asking for comments, but the means of commenting is constrained and restricted, and there are many issues one may want to comment on which don't have space in that PDF document. For instance, there's nowhere to comment about the IMAX, but it's quite clear that the overwhelming majority of commenters on this board want the IMAX taken down. As, may I remind everyone, the current conservative administration promised to do before the last election.

Posted by: Nigel Blumenthal, frustrated, on 3:54pm today

Quote Right after I made those nice comments about the Echo and its allowing the use of its website to foster this debate, the site contents list changed and I can't now find access to this page except through abookmark.

Reply Don't blame the Echo Nigel .

Learn to use the blue navigation panel on the left hand side of the page, the thread is still very visible.


Under News relevant to Bournemouth.

Try to remember The Echo has to prioritise the news as it comes in so, that's why its not in the latest news.

Posted by: Nigel Blumenthal, Central Bournemouth, on 4:07pm today

Quote No, I meant the "Travel Interchange" at St Paul's roundabout,

Reply Thanks for talking about the (so called) "Travel Interchange" Nigel .

It's also very refreshing to have some intelligent interaction on this board.

As to that "Travel Interchange" it's an absolute disgrace so typical of what one can expect under Tory Administration. They the Tories are a bigger problem and do more damage than any so called terrorist to community planning.

That place is an absolute dump

All this energy wasted on an echo forum where nothing is going to get done, apart from some satisfaction from a counselor that he wound everyone up again. All this concentration should be on the owners of the IMAX.

Those sort of comments Collarge is exactly what the powers to be like to see. Any sign of negativity and boom it is gone.

In my opinion, if we the people of Bournemouth showed a more positive attitude towards projects such as this, and added our opinions, comments etc in a positive attitude, either to this board, or the Vision of Bournemouth proforma online then there is a more likely possibility that we will get this project underway. My only comment is why some of it has to take so long.