DEVELOPERS are hoping to submit plans next year to bring the flagship Beales site in Bournemouth town centre back into use.

A consortium of investors recently acquired the site and they are set to draw up proposals for a mixed commercial and residential scheme for the Old Christchurch Road building.

Nihad Obagi, of Leo Developments, said East Cliff Properties Ltd completed the purchase a couple of weeks ago following negotiations with the vendor.

A short statement from the group said: “The current development proposal includes a mixture of residential and commercial and will positively support much needed rejuvenation in the town centre.”

Mr Obagi told the Daily Echo: “It is a real shame that Beales had to close down in the first instance.

“It was a tragedy and to be followed, potentially, by one or two others.

“The whole idea is to try and retain the retail element in the heart of Bournemouth and introduce some high-quality residential element on the upper levels.

“It will rejuvenate that part of Bournemouth, for sure. It is not going to just be ordinary residential. It is going to be more upmarket.

He said plans could include an indoor pool and gym, with car parking within the building for the apartments.

The design stage is expected to begin soon, with a planning application to follow as soon as the second quarter of 2021, said Mr Obagi.

The development team on the project will be led by Poole-based architect David James Architects and Partners Ltd.

"We will get the ball rolling early next year," said David James. "At first we will need to do a clean up of the existing building's internals, then we will undertake a planning application in due course.

"Our plan is to revitalise the building and we have some exciting ideas.

"We are hoping that what we are proposing is well received and that we can try to bring quite a lovely building back into use.

"We want to work with the planners and the town's people. We want to create something that has a long-serving legacy in the town.

"We are not proposing to demolish the building at all. It is a very sensitive approach that we are taking."

The Beales department store in Bournemouth closed in March of this year after the company went into administration. The premises was the site where John Elmes Beale started the business in 1881, sparking 139 years of trading heritage.

The company went into administration in January, with administrators appointed from KPMG. At present, the former entrance to the store in Old Christchurch Road is boarded up.