PLANS to build a £100million marina, housing and retail development opposite Poole Quay have been revealed.

Developers Atlas Partners is submitting plans to Borough of Poole next week for a major scheme which could see Sydenhams Timber Yard site completely transformed.

Sydenhams will be relocated within the borough and the Echo has been told that every effort will be made to retain the jobs of its entire staff.

The proposals include 374 new homes and will be set around a newly created marina.

It will also feature a landmark residential building adjacent to Poole Bridge.

In addition to the residential aspect, a creative quarter is also proposed and will provide opportunities for independent retailers and businesses to open cafes, shops, restaurants, galleries and workshops with the aim of attracting visitors across Poole Bridge.

Atlas Partners has said it will maintain a “long-term interest” in the development to ensure the space remains attractive and accessible to start-up businesses.

A key feature of the plans is the creation of pedestrian and cycle routes through the site, providing full public access and connecting Poole Bridge and the quay with the neighbouring Carters Quay development.

These routes will contribute to delivering access along the wider quayside, as envisaged in the Poole Quays Neighbourhood Plan.

Around 250 people attended a public consultation on the proposals earlier this year and the final scheme has been based on the responses.

According to Guy Hammond, managing director of Atlas Partners, the scheme will create a new destination where people can live, work and enjoy a range of leisure opportunities.

He added: “We are delighted that the application is being submitted to Poole council and we are one step closer to transforming this part of Poole.

“The scheme seeks to create a new and creative neighbourhood that offers not only new homes but also space for independent cafés and start-up businesses.

“The response to the plans from the public consultation has been extremely positive. We’ve listened closely to what’s been said and we’d like to think that the finalised plans meet their expectations.

“We’re confident of creating a brand new destination for the town.

“With the new jobs we can create on site, we believe this is a great win for Poole: more jobs, new homes and a great place to be.”

A decision on the outcome of the application will be made by the council’s planning committee later this year. The public will be able to give their views on the application.

James Sherborne, owner of Sydenhams Timber Yard, said: “This is good news for our business. We’ve outgrown our current location and so the acquisition of the site gives us the chance to relocate within Poole and safeguard our future business.”

£100m marina scheme welcomed

BUSINESS and council bosses in Poole have welcomed plans for a £100m marina scheme.

The plans, which are due to be submitted to Borough of Poole next week, could see Sydenhams Timber Yard transformed into a major residential and retail development.

Cllr Mike White, who represents the Hamworthy East ward, said he was “delighted” to see a proposal for the site come forward.

“It feels like we have just been waiting for things to happen for a while now so it’s great that something is finally happening,” added Cllr White.

“For me I particularly like the idea of a marina development and the plan for a footpath and cycle lane for that part of Holes Bay. Hopefully this will get people across the bridge and into Hamworthy. I know most residents are excited to see something happen but there are some concerns about height.”

Cllr White says he has already “red-carded” the proposal so it gets the proper scrutiny at Borough of Poole’s planning committee.

Jane Jones, board member of Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “This will be fantastic.

“The regeneration of our amazing town is so essential, particularly when it comes to areas that have been woefully under utilised and where the potential is so obvious,” she added.