Air your views on Imax viewpoint (From Bournemouth Echo)

"It’s no good holding strong views in private, then bellyaching about what’s decided when it’s too late. Bournemouth cabinet makes its decision in just 109 days’ time."
Why is this decision being left to the 'cabinet'? lets have some Swiss style democracy and have a referendum. In this computerised age its easy, lets have some e-democracy!

The councils shortlist has good suggestions overall- I hope that the next stage is not to narrow it down to one particular usage - but instead - throw it wide open to the public and design professionals alike to submit scheme designs based around the shortlist. Full blown professional drawings are not required at this stage- just sketches, plans, models. If I were running the show in the council I would ensure that scale plans and area photos were available online for people to download or collect from the council offices. People could print off plans at home and have a go. The whole process could become inclusive and alive. I would also ensure that the international architectural journals were aware of this competition and invite submissions. Pick a deadline date- say end of June, then hold an exhibition of idea and designs over the summer- wait for public reaction and comment - then narrow it down from there. PLEASE dont rush or get panicked in to a usage or design too quickly.
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Comments re Imax SITE: this is a very exposed site- and vehicle and pedestrian flow occurs in high volumes on all sides- whatever is built needs to look fabulous from every aspect. Certain usages require a degree of ugliness- with bars/ bistros/ boutiques you need stock daily- that means delivery bays, pallets, lorry turning/ parking access, large 1100L wheelie bins for waste disposal etc.: all this would be very difficult to conceal- so I am against this proposal- plus it is again going down the commercialisation route that the Imax followed. People will HATE to feel that their precious Imax spot has been given over to corporate/private gain, not the public good.
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Also- this site is NOT just for July & August beach users who get a bit of bad weather... it is NOT just for those soul destroying words "a wet weather attraction"- this site should be for something which is capable of bringing people in ALL year round- good weather or bad.
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Finally - I think this site should ALSO INCLUDE THE CARPARK next to it. The site could then dig in under the existing car park, potentially where the car park exists could be a piazza with benches, fountains, glass pyramids or domes acting as light wells to give natural lighting to large rooms below. Towers or arches with hanging gardens etc; a very pleasant open public space. You could still have a view across the road to the sea- plus a stepped open amphitheatre and a fantastic building which the public are so happy to look at they wont mind that it obstucts a bit of the view.
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A building CAN become a deeply detested enemy (like the Imax) or a greatly loved friend (like Corfe Castle, or St.Pauls or Sydney Opera House)etc. They DO have a personality capable of influencing the emotions of people who use them or just pass by them. A society and culture is civilized or demoralised by the nature of the built and natural environment around them. That said: If the final result is a building that has dignity, character, is intriguing, inspirational, unique, fun, open hearted,beautiful and bold...but above all: has a noble purpose- they WILL LOVE IT!!

Apart from the Imax fiasco the main issue with the building seems to be its appearance. Normally when planning permission is given certain landscaping conditions seem to be applied. This doesn't seem to have happened here. The 'road and backside' of the building is ugly, the front and beach side OK. Why not clad the ugly sides with a living wall of plants as has been done in other places or is that too innovative? The old side view of the Pier Approach baths was never that fantastic as far as I can remember!

I think a splashdown type water park would be the best option, for families to take their kids to enjoy in inclement weather.There is very little for them to do otherwise and I have witnessed many times the struggle to find suitable indoor entertainment for kids at a reasonable price. We should be setting a good example in Bournemouth. A large restaurant at the top would be great with both indoor and outdoor seating for people to relax and enjoy that view. There would have to be adequate car parking of course and at a sensible price, and maybe it would have to be exclusive to that venue.

Trish1

bournemouth relys too heavily on good weather.......think of a family on holiday in the pouring rain........where can you go when you are chucked out of your B&B....we need somewhere where a whole family could easily spend a wet miserable day with adults and children........and dont always asume holiday makers have cars....most dont so cant go travelling round to all these expensive leisure centres etc.