DISCUSSIONS on the future of a significant town site in Christchurch will take place today.

Members of Christchurch Borough Council's resources committee will hear a progress report on the Bargates site, including an update on a recent marketing campaign.

The site includes Christchurch police station, which is now closed to the public, the former magistrates courts and car park.

But the item, listed as a key decision, will not be heard in public, as it is listed on the committee agenda as 'exempt information'.

This is due to issues surrounding confidential matters relating to the financial or business affairs of either the council or other parties involved.

Details on the council's website state the discussion will "report progress on the marketing of the councils land at Pit Site car park as part of a partnership project in conjunction with land owned by Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Trust."

Members will be asked to approve new terms for further negotiations and the drawing up of disposal documents for the site, while 'the bidder seeks planning approval.'

Last year, plans to transform the 'under-utilised' Christchurch police station and magistrates court site were said to be progressing.

Agents, Goadsby Commercial and Colliers International, who were marketing the site, said it was suitable for a variety of uses.

Plans have been discussed for years by councillors and officers to redevelop the town centre site – at one time a supermarket was suggested as an option in 2012.

Back in 2001, Christchurch Borough Council pledged £75,000 towards the revamp of the court site, with plans to stimulate trade, attract major investment and bring Bargates and the High Street shopping areas together.

In 2003, their plans for a mixed development to include housing, retail, and community and leisure facilities on the site were mooted as part of a draft town centre strategy.

The item will be discussed on Wednesday.