THIS is the dramatic new look planned for Bournemouth seafront as moves to regenerate the Pavilion continue apace.

This new computer generated image has been released by Bournemouth council to give a flavour of what the revamped Pavilion Theatre and adjacent casino and restaurantcomplex will look like.

While the Pavilion is being painstakingly restored to its former glory, the new building planned for the Bath Road North car park could not be more modern.

The spiral-shaped building will hold a casino, restaurants and underground parking.

Developer Trevor Osborne, who is funding the entire project, said he was "delighted" with the plans drawn up by his architects.

He said: "Hundreds of people attended a public exhibition of the improved plans for the new development in January. While some residents raised concerns about the colour of the tiles on the building, the swirl design of the development was very well received.

"As a result of that public feedback, we have had new tiles made in alternative shades and we're considering whether to use those instead of the green in this picture.

"I see this building as something of a sculpture and a landmark - something which enhances Bournemouth's outside space and will contribute very positively towards the local economy.

"The swirls are a public walkway, from where you'll be able to enjoy wonderful sea views. There'll always be people who don't want change and some of the most striking buildings in the world attracted some criticism at the beginning but I'm confident we're creating something the town can be proud of."

The £59 million development has already been the subject of a public exhibition and has won the backing of the Chamber of Trade.

Plans for the restoration of the outside of the Pavilion have been submitted to the council this week and include a 10,000 sq ft rooftop spa with sea views and a public square with fountains in place of the current forecourt car park.

A new box office and a coffee shop with glass canopies have been designed to front onto the square and plans for a glass interval court between the Pavilion and the casino have also been submitted.

Cllr Bob Chapman, cabinet member for major projects, said: "It has been my long term ambition to see the jewel in Bournemouth's crown restored and I'm tremendously impressed with these plans for the building's exterior.

"Demolition of the unsightly 1970s West Terrace extension has now taken place and that's a big improvement. If these latest plans are approved, it will be a significant step towards restoring the Pavilion to its 1920s glory days."