A NEW cliff lift could be built as part of an “ambitious” multi-million pound plan to create a “year-round destination” at Southbourne beach

BCP Council has put forward proposals to replace the Bistro on the Beach building with a larger restaurant; beach lodges and a spa; and a lift making the beach “fully accessible” for the first time.

A report says this would “provide an opportunity” to take advantage of a post-coronavirus tourism market in which domestic holidays become more popular.

Plans have been published ahead of the meeting of the council’s cabinet later this month at which councillors will be asked to approve the scheme and borrowing necessary to fund it.

The existing building is described as being in a “very poor state” with the possibility that the bistro may have to close once its lease ends in March 2023 with the loss of its £104,000-a-year income.

In its place, the council is hoping to construct a new £6.84 million centre. It is hoped this will encourage “year-round” use of the beach and capitalise on a predicted rise in domestic tourism.

Cabinet members will be asked to give their backing to the scheme when they meet at the end of the month.

“Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s tourism sector, through schemes such as this, has an opportunity to take advantage of a post-Covid increase in staycations,” a report says.

“In order to turn a short-term bounce in demand into a longer-term trend, the resort will need to focus on improving the quality, authenticity of experience and environmental sustainability of its offer with many more tourists continuing to value the impact of their travel on the planet.

“This proposed scheme is well placed to meet this emerging opportunity with an innovative and sustainable destination experience.”

Although there would be no increase in footprint of the building its scale would be increased by the construction of the first new cliff lift since 1935. This would create a direct link to Warren Edge car park.

Visitors would be catered for with 16 “premium” beach lodges and a spa facility.

The scheme will be considered when the council’s cabinet meets on June 24.