West Central scheme does 'not affect' rival cinema plans (From Bournemouth Echo)

West Central scheme does 'not affect' rival cinema plans

12:00pm Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Melanie Vass

PLANS: An artist’s impression of the plans for the Winter Gardens scheme which were eventually withdrawn

TWO developers aiming to build multiplex cinemas in Bournemouth claim their plans are unaffected by a surprise decision to approve a rival scheme.

Both Trevor Osborne, who is hoping to build the Nautilus cinema and restaurant complex next to the Pavilion Theatre , and APB Park, a pension fund looking to redevelop the Winter Gardens , say they will press on with their ambitious plans.

This is despite the council’s shock u-turn on the future of the former bus station site at Exeter Road. The council had tried to thwart Licet Development’s plans to build a cinema and restaurant complex on the NCP car park site but reluctantly granted approval after being warned they had no real grounds to block the West Central development .

The Nautilus scheme – which is for a nine-screen cinema, 15 restaurants, shops and a 350-space car park – is potentially the most seriously affected.

Mr Osborne was recently given extra time to secure the necessary funding for the £50million scheme but warned the council will be able to end the deal if he cannot achieve this by December 31, 2013.

His scheme has planning permission, listed building approval and a pre-let arrangement with the Odeon cinema. But there is speculation the Odeon may switch to West Central if developers fulfil their promise of starting work in the New Year.

Mr Osborne said: “We have got a signed agreement with Odeon so that’s not going to happen.

“We are moving forward, the West Central decision doesn’t really make any difference to us. There is too much on the drawing board and not enough being built but we are moving forward.”

When asked whether he still thought the Nautilus scheme was “the best bet in town,” as he had previously stated, he said: “Absolutely, yes.”

The £100m Winter Gardens scheme would see a cinema, restaurants, hotel, apartments and public piazza built just over the road from the West Central development.

In a statement, Planning Solutions Partnership who are managing the planning application said: “The planning application is progressing well with several consultees already confirming they have no objection to the scheme including the Environment Agency and other formal consultees.

“The application for the Winter Gardens is due to be determined shortly.”