WHAT'S THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD

But when it comes to what they do want to see, opinion is much more divided.

Whereas some people back Bournemouth's gamble on a casino, others are worried it will jeopardise the town's family-friendly image.

The new Winter Gardens is intended to be the heart of a brand-new "cultural quarter" whereas critics claim the concert halls will prove too small to attract decent audiences.

The Chamber of Trade strongly supports West Central - the multiplex cinema and restaurant complex planned for Bournemouth Gardens - but many hoteliers would rather see an indoor wet-weather attraction built on the site.

SUBMIT YOUR VIEW BELOW

There are no easy answers but Douglas Eyre, who has an integral part in planning Bournemouth's future, says the town cannot afford to shy away from the issue.

"I don't think Bournemouth sends out a message on where it wants to be," he said. "One of the things that is causing us problems is that we don't send out clear vibes as to what sort of town we want in 20 years time. We send out very mixed messages.

"Nothing stands still, you either move forwards or you move backwards. We need to have a healthy discussion on this."

The Bournemouth Partnership chairman said his personal vote would be for an ice rink but warned: "They do not make money and if you are going to have that facility, you have to accept that either the council tax will go up or you have to sacrifice land to residential development to pay for it."

Allen Stocker, president of the Bournemouth Area Hoteliers' Association, believes botanical gardens could give Bournemouth the "wow factor."

Cllr Andrew Garratt feels a state-of-the-art climbing wall would help Bournemouth stand apart from its rivals.

"Climbing attracts people of all ages and all backgrounds and it teaches you about focus, teamwork and pushing your own personal abilities.

"I also think it would complement the planned surf reef at Boscombe."

But whatever is planned for the future, it has to look right if it is to win over the IMAX-wary public. This must have been in councillors' minds as they deferred a decision on West Central because of its "block-like" design.

"The IMAX has shown that it's not just what's in a building that counts, it's also what it looks like," said Cllr Garratt. "The planning board made the right decision on West Central. This building will be in Bournemouth for 20, 30 or 40 years and it has got to stand the architectural test of time."

Residents have long called for an ice rink to replace the lost facility at Westover Road and the council has responded to their demands by making it a priority.

Cllr Ron Whittaker, a long-time campaigner for an ice rink, points out the town could have it by now if the council had stumped up £1.6million to buy the Exeter Road bus station site in 1992.