THE new refreshment kiosk in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens could soon be serving alcohol if cafe owners get their way.

Picnic Park Deli re-opened in the gardens adjacent to Westover Road in March.

Owners Adam Richardson and Marta Wasik have applied to Bournemouth council for permission to serve alcohol and play live music.

If granted the licence would allow them to sell alcohol and provide live music performances between 12noon and 6pm, Monday to Sunday - extended to 9pm in July and August.

The owners say they want to turn the gardens into a “hub of creativity” by bringing musicians, artists, street performers, and craftspeople to the space.

Since opening earlier this year they started hosting silent yoga sessions and held a pop-up art exhibition ahead of the opening of the annual Pine Walk art exhibition after the space was vandalised with graffiti.

Before Picnic Park Deli re-opened, Mr Richardson described his vision for Westover Gardens as a community space.

He said: “Our mission is to revitalise Westover Gardens.

“We’ve got a lot of plans for this space – we’re going to transform the art exhibition area as it’s looking a bit tired. It’s good when it’s full of artists, but often people will walk through once and never return.

“We want to create a hub of creativity as the area’s got such pedestrian potential, and we want to bring it back to life.

“We’re on the lookout for artists, photographers, craftspeople, live singers, bands, musicians, groups, clubs, and more to collaborate with to become an all-day hangout destination within the town centre, which befits the heritage of its Pine Walk setting.”

Adam said his goal for the space was similar to Summer Live, which was introduced to Bournemouth Square in 2015 and involves live music and artists showcasing their work.

The council is currently looking into putting some simpler lights in the Westover Gardens area.

It is planning to revamp the whole Lower Gardens area over the next couple of years, and has now raised more than £80,000 towards a major refurbishment of the aviary area in Pine Walk.

The money could go towards a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for additional cash.