CONSTRUCTION on a much-anticipated seafront leisure complex will be delayed by another year amid summer disruption fears.

Despite BCP Council giving the green light for a Rockwater village development at Sandbanks Café in February, the project’s owner has been told he must hold off on building until after the peak summer period.

Rockwater founder Luke Davis told the Echo he was being hit financially by the decision, but vowed to construct pop up shacks and eateries at the beachfront in the meantime.

The Sandbanks development is part of a wider project encompassing a second Rockwater village site at Branksome beach. The former Branksome Chine café is being partially demolished to make way for a new food, drink and leisure building.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI for approved Rockwater development at Sandbanks beach.CGI for approved Rockwater development at Sandbanks beach. (Image: Rockwater)

A shack selling food and drink at the former Branksome Chine beach shop is already operational.

Mr Davis says the pop ups at Sandbanks, which he hopes will be operational by early to mid-April, will “keep everyone going” through the spring and summer seasons with provision for ice cream, coffee, and Thai food offerings as well as seating areas.

“The reality is that after a year of delays, the council has said they don’t want me to build the main site over the summer,” he said.

“I’m told it’s too much disruption on that car park and on that beach in the summer, which I do understand but financially it’s ruining me. It already took an obscene amount of time to get permission, so to be delayed again is disappointing.

Bournemouth Echo: Sandbanks Café.Sandbanks Café. (Image: Newsquest)

“But, in the spirit of Rockwater, we will built these pop ups and offer some fun amenities for people – hopefully by Easter. Either way, we’ll get through.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Sandbanks is a popular and high-profile destination and we welcome the proposed investment by Rockwater.

“We have carefully considered the potential risks and impacts of the build and have advised Rockwater that these works would need to take place after the main summer season.

“We are working closely to ensure temporary catering facilities are available at Sandbanks during the coming months.”

The development in Branksome, however, is “full steam ahead” according to Mr Davis who hopes the main site will be open in July.