A COUNCILLOR is calling for Bournemouth and Boscombe piers to be privatised and transformed into commercially viable family attractions.
Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts said: “What we need is more privately owned leisure operators based at the seafront to create investment and job opportunities.
“The privately owned Bournemouth Oceanarium is expanding and, with private investment, both piers could also become a success story.
“The Bournemouth Pier Theatre is currently under used, particularly during the winter months. When shows are not being staged it could double up as an indoor family attraction.
“That’s what the resort so desperately needs to keep ahead of the game and appeal to all ages.
“I’d also like to see the introduction of a water bus service from both piers to Christchurch and Poole to help relieve the worsening traffic congestion.”
He added: “A lot of money has been invested at Boscombe seafront and it has paid off. Private leisure companies have the financial clout, unlike councils which are always strapped for cash.”
Cllr Stanley-Watts was among councillors who supported a decision to cut the hated Imax building down to size. He said: “It’s been a farce for years and we need to ensure that a private operator turns this seafront site into a successful wet weather attraction.
“The priority is that a building, in such a prime location, is occupied sooner rather than later.” Earlier this month the Daily Echo revealed that it costs hundreds of thousands of pounds to keep the Imax building standing empty.
Bournemouth council has bought back the lease of the Waterfront complex so it can be re-developed and start bringing in revenue for the authority by Easter next year.
