PROPERTY developer Richard Carr plans to transform a "substantial" town centre site - and plans include a large nightclub, cinema and apartments.

The site is currently home to Cameo Nightclub, Norwegian Wood Café, Oasis Fun and a multi-storey car park, but the building is set to be demolished to make way for "ground-breaking" facilities.

Glen Fern House in Fir Vale Road, Bournemouth has been acquired by Fortitudo, property development company, and Interceptor Opportunities.

Bournemouth Echo: Glen Fern House in Fir Vale Road set to be transformed. Photo: Trainee Reporter, Maya George

Chief Executive of Fortitudo, Richard Carr said: "We're keen to try and bring back something that is much, much better and will make Bournemouth a great place to live.

"That building is not particularly attractive and the time has come for something to happen. The offices above Cameo have not been occupied for 30 years and most of the building in Fir Vale Road is not occupied.

Bournemouth Echo: Richard Carr

Richard Carr

"This falls in with the regeneration of Bournemouth, and these facilities will be ground-breaking. There will be great new amenities for people."

Bournemouth Echo:

The Fortitudo site 

The new building will include a 40,000 square foot nightclub, a 36,000 square foot ten-pin bowling facility, 15,000 square feet of bars and restaurants, a 20,000 square foot cinema, a 120 bedroom hotel and a 600 capacity multi-storey car park.

There will also be 350 apartments available to rent and 250 apartments put on the market.

Bournemouth Echo: Glen Fern House in Fir Vale Road set to be transformed. Photo: Trainee Reporter, Maya George

Richard said: "The residential living in the new building will help Bournemouth's housing need, which is woefully low at the moment, and it will bring life into the town.

"All commercial premises will be operated by tenants."

The Cameo premises have been used by clubbers for generations, going by a succession of names including Zig Zag, the Cage & Zoo and Lava Ignite.

Cameo is scheduled to bring music and dance lovers back to the club on June 21 as lockdown restrictions ease.

Norwegian Wood Café was established in 1962 and is well-known for its cooked breakfasts.

Oasis Fun opened in 2016 and features a bowling alley with six lanes, an indoor soft play centre, large Adventure Golf course and more.