Vision of Bournemouth’s future

A radical new brief for developers includes: A “water-based family attraction” on the Bath Road South car park, near the home of the Waterfront Imax cinema.

Up to 2,000 new homes in the town centre.

A Grand Garden Walk to connect the seafront, leisure and shopping areas.

The return of buses to the old Exeter Road bus station site, along with shops, a hotel and leisure attraction.

Homes on the site of the current Central car park, behind the town’s cinemas off Hinton Road.

A cut in the number of car parks, although the total number of spaces would stay the same.

A family attraction where the Winter Gardens once stood, as well as the possibility of homes and hotels.

Bournemouth council’s deputy leader, Cllr John Beesley, said: “Until now, town centre development has been piecemeal.

“By taking a comprehensive look at all of the town’s major sites, we can help ensure changes in one area complement and enhance those taking place in another.”

The new document, called an Area Action Plan, sets out the kind of development the council would like to see on 30 key sites.

Some of the sites belong to the council, including car parks which can be sold to developers prepared to work to the council’s brief.

Other sites are in private ownership and the council hopes it can influence their development through the planning process.

But there are sure to be controversies, with the creation of new buildings up to 12 storeys high and building on car parks.

Cllr Beesley added: “There are numerous sites around the town which could be better used to help secure our place on the map as a premier destination and I hope that when the consultation launches, the public will take the opportunity to comment.”

The final consultation document, which will go before the council’s cabinet on October 13, will be available to view from early November at the site in related links below.