VISITORS will get a better “first impression” of Bournemouth beach following a multi-million pound revamp of the Pier Approach area, it is hoped.

Work to transform the eastern side of the Pier Approach has now begun, representing an important step in Bournemouth council’s 20-year vision for a world-class seafront.

Pier Approach is one of the first sites to benefit from the long-term seafront strategy. The project aims to reconnect the grade II-listed Lower Gardens with the seafront and will include better lighting and landscaping.

There will be a new water play feature with interactive jets while a signature piece of architecture will house a new tourism centre.

All the temporary amusements, except for a Victorian-style carousel, will be removed.

Bournemouth council is providing £4million to fund phase one of the improvement works and hopes future investment will come from external grants and the private sector.

The Pier Approach project will continue until spring 2015 but will not affect the Arts by the Sea Festival or the Bournemouth Marathon Festival.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “The majority of our visitors form their first impressions of the seafront when they enter via the gardens and Pier Approach so the future presentation of this space is vital if we are to inspire a new generation to visit Bournemouth.

“The demolition of the Waterfront Imax building and the site’s subsequent re-landscaping into an events area were the first steps taken towards achieving our aim of transforming the seafront and building a better Bournemouth.”

The entire 20-year seafront programme includes more than 90 projects stretching from Alum Chine to Southbourne.