THESE are the latest images of what the £70m West Quay Marina development should look like when it is finished.

Borough planning chiefs agreed proposals for the complex - which includes 291 apartments, a restaurant, commercial and retail space, car parking and a quayside walkway - and is set to transform the waterside alongside Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge.

Buildings of varying height, from five to 10-storeys, will be included in the scheme.

Mark Russell, managing director of MMC Land & Regeneration - the company behind the project - believes it will bring significant economic benefits to Poole.

“I’m delighted the Borough of Poole (BOP) has approved this detailed mixed-use development application.

“This significant investment in Poole will generate many new jobs, both in direct local labour and supply chain jobs, in the employment spaces created at ground floor level, and by creating apprenticeships for young people wishing to develop a skilled trade.”

While the development has been backed by BOP’s planning committee - and Sunseeker co-founder Robert Braithwaite - some concerns have been raised by local residents, particularly about the scale and some design elements of the proposals.

The site, which was originally a timber yard and now houses industrial units, has been earmarked for regeneration for a number of years.

BOP planning committee chairman Peter Pawlowski said: “The committee warmly welcomed this well designed application with its strong reflection of Poole’s maritime history.”

The latest scheme, designed by Calderpeel Architects, emerged following lengthy consultation with the local authority and residents.

Mr Russell said: “We’ve engaged with the Environment Agency to mitigate flood risk, with Natural England to ensure migrating birds and habitats are protected, and with Poole Harbour Commissioners to ensure compliance.

“This scheme incorporates vibrant public open spaces, new restaurants, and a delightful promenade walkway which will lead from the Twin Sails Bridge to the RNLI as development progresses.

“This development will set the bar high for this important regeneration corridor will contribute significantly to Poole’s need for high-quality housing in a town centre location, reducing pressure on the greenbelt.”

Meanwhile, Calderpeel Architects managing director Ewen Miller said: “The architectural style references Poole waterfront and its urban forms, from the timber boat shed reflecting the historic use of the site to the iconic beach hut shape which is repeated along the waterfront.”

“We consulted extensively with local community groups, and would particularly like to thank Poole Quays Forum for their considerable involvement.”