MAJOR plans to transform Bournemouth’s former Beales store have been revealed – but what do people think of them?

As reported by the Daily Echo earlier this week, agent Terence O'Rourke Ltd who is acting on behalf of East Cliff Property Limited, submitted plans to build 130 flats with a gym and pool as well as commercial, business and service space.

Along with 130 apartments, the proposal includes 45 car parking spaces accessed by two car lifts at the ground floor, lower ground and basement levels, and cycle storage in two areas accommodating 178 bikes, an indoor swimming pool, a rooftop garden, a gym and a spa.

Hundreds of people have had their say on the plans which could transform Bournemouth town centre.

We invited people on the Bournemouth Echo’s Facebook page to tell us what they thought of what’s planned.

Here’s a selection of the comments.

1. As long as the proposed plans complement the existing building. I say bring it on. It will help towards bringing back a pulse to the town centre. 

2. Make it into an indoor shopping centre with lots of different shops like Castlepoint. This will bring people back into Bournemouth.

3. We need shops back. Ghost town. 

4. Like everywhere - flats, no parking and minimal thought about infrastructure.

5. How about repurposing the current building?

6. I’m only ‘worried’ about this part: 45 car parking spaces for 130 apartments + 178 bicycle spaces. Unless they improve public transport, i don’t think 45 parking spaces are enough. Otherwise, bringing more people to town centre isn’t a bad idea.

7. I think it’s sad that it had to close in the first place. We don’t have a town anymore. Just a housing estate.

8. What about parking? I hate this conspiracy against car drivers! - apart from that they have kept the 'Beales' design for the exterior.

9. Next stop gated residential complex for the rich - beginning of the new high rise living for all way more profitable the for council - end of ASB problems no traffic parking problems just - next stop Poole Town centre - glad I'm in my 70s as have had the best years of freedom and choice.

10. Bournemouth becoming a soulless place. Would love for more individual shops, unique shops, galleries etc. Be great if more like Brighton with all its unique quirky shops and cafes So little art, sculptures which is strange when you think we have big Art University. Why not have affordable rental spaces within Beales for them. Need more diverse unique business to create more interest in visiting Bournemouth centre.

11. 130 flats, 45 parking spaces....!! Unlikely that anyone without a car for work could afford these flats. Ridiculous.

12. Would rather have Beales department store.

13. The rent will be ridiculous being right in the centre of town and the council tax band will be the highest too. No one will be able to afford it.

14. Shops are becoming a thing of the past. I think it’s a great idea.

15. The flats are a great idea, I've been saying this is the way forward for a age..do the same with the old HOF site and as long as the ground floor is kept for retail it will be a great use of a old building...there are not any high street retailers left to fill these large units anymore so it's time to move on from the good old days.

16. Where would friends, relations and even the the people who lived there park there cars, couldn't afford to use the car parks.

17. Why another gym in Bournemouth when they are putting one up the road in the old Wilkos store. Why can’t they be more adventurous and come up with another idea. It’s the same with all the golf places are everywhere in the Bournemouth town. 

18. Absolutely stupid idea. Where will they park cars. Where will they do shopping? Need shops. No more coffee bars .Bournemouth used to be lovely ,now it is just very very sad.