MULTI-million pound plans to reinvent an abandoned part of Christchurch have been handed to council planners.

The scheme to radically develop the land behind Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road includes a large food store, extensive on-site parking, a community play park, low-cost gym, 25 units of affordable housing, open river frontage piazza as well as access to the River Stour.

Bournemouth-based developers Quantum also plan to honour the heritage of the former Ministry of Defence land with a Blue Plaque and statue to commemorate the link between Sir Donald Bailey and the history of the site.

There will be information boards throughout the development detailing the site’s important past, specifically relating to the Bailey Bridge and it’s production throughout the Second World War.

Henry Lumby, partner at Quantum, said they were in discussions with the main supermarkets which were not already operating in the borough – Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

Quantum will be working in partnership with Sovereign Twynham on the affordable housing units, which will all have private parking.

There will be a mixture of two, three, four and five bedroom properties.

Henry said: “We’ve listened to what residents have said to us during our consultation exercise and hopefully taken on board their comments.

“This will create more than 300 jobs where currently there are none as well as some valuable community resources including a children’s play area.

“It will be a safe and secure place, sympathetically lit for the local community.”

Part of the proposals includes a ferry link to Christchurch town centre and discussions have already been had with existing operators to set-up the service.

A pedestrian bridge, possibly in the style of a Bailey Bridge, will link Christchurch and Bournemouth, while also allowing access for small boats and kayaks.

A proposed floating pontoon will be introduced to encourage kayakers and rowers to visit.

What do you say?

• Keri Crowe, 46, from Holten Heath said: “Everyone is struggling at the moment and I don’t think we need another supermarket.

“I like the housing proposals though.”

•Joyce Fry, 84, from Bournemouth said: “I think it would be a good idea.

“It wouldn’t take anything away from the town centre and I should think that people want more variety.”

•Brian Munroe, 69, from Hengistbury Head said: “They keep building everywhere and I don’t think it’s good.

“I think the housing might be good. It will be interesting to see.”

•Marilyn Munroe, 66, from Hengistbury Head said: “I think we’ve got enough food places but then again I’m sure young mums and families would disagree.

“We do need houses but I’m not sure.”