A VIEW to rival the Bournemouth Balloon was unveiled at the top of the new Terrace Mount development this week.

Business leaders and civic dignitaries gathered on the roof of the under-construction Hilton Bournemouth hotel for the topping out ceremony on Wednesday.

The "top-end" hotel, which will also include a number of private penthouse flats, is scheduled to open later this year, while the neighbouring Hampton by Hilton hotel - its less-expensive sister - will open on May 15.

Attending the ceremony was Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, who said: "I think it is an amazing addition to the town.

"And having followed it through from the design stage, even before planning permission was granted, it is mind-blowing to see it near completion.

"As you look out you can see the new vibrant buildings going up alongside the historic architecture by our beautiful beach, which is our window on the world.

"When you get people like the owner of Ted Baker making an investment - he told me he knows where investment goes ahead of the market - it is a vote of confidence in Bournemouth."

Bournemouth council leader John Beesley said: "I'm very pleased that the development has reached this stage and we can look forward to both hotels being fully opened.

"It is a major investment in Bournemouth's tourism offer."

He said there was currently economic development and investment in Bournemouth to an "unprecedented scale", with "quite a lot more to come".

Bournemouth Echo:

How the site looked in November 2013

The Hilton Bournemouth will have 172 bedrooms for guests and a range of facilities which will also be open to the community, including a gym and spa, a ballroom, meeting rooms and conference facilities.

There will also be restaurants and bars including the Sky Bar L8 which will have panoramic views of the town and an outdoor terrace.

Hilton area vice-president Steve Cassidy said: "This project has been in the making for many years and we are very excited to be here for the topping out, it is a great day to show it off.

"We are coming back to Bournemouth after years of absence, and we are very proud to be working with THAT Group and construction firm McAleer & Rushe."