PLANS have been unveiled for a 12-storey apartment block in central Bournemouth.

Developers hosted a public consultation to hear feedback on their proposed work at the site on Bath Road.

The building will have space for up to 500 people but will only have 11 parking spaces.

Architects from PRP gathered at the Marsham Court Hotel on Russell Court Road to talk to the public about plans to build the development for its client, Royal London Asset Management.

Bournemouth Echo: An artist's impression of the proposed block of flats in Bath Road, Bournemouth

PRP proposes a 'sustainable' development featuring a mix of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments.

Head project architect Rob High said: "We plan to build 212 new homes, which we think will equate to around 300 to 500 residents.

"Each one of these will be using the town centre to shop. There is an estimated figure of a £1.7 million resident annual spend from the development."

Mr High explained that the development will be delivered as a build-to-rent scheme, saying there is a strong demand for rental properties in Bournemouth.

He said: "Build to rent provides a really good quality experience for residents.

"It's aimed at people who wouldn't be able to purchase a property.

"There are lots of people within Bournemouth, we understand, who are coming out of student education and looking for a property, which would fit that really well."

Bournemouth Echo: An artist's impression of the proposed block of flats in Bath Road, Bournemouth

The scheme includes a rooftop terrace, a courtyard, and a café on the ground floor, which will be open to the public.

Assistant architect Olivia Trinder said: "The site has been vacant for many years.

"The ground floor café is really important for creating activity at a ground level and will make the area feel safer."

Despite the proposed development having 212 homes, PRP has said there will be only 11 parking spaces and two accessible spaces for residents.

Transport consultant for the development, George Steel, said: "The limited parking spaces is principally driven by planning policy.

"The council's planning policy for a town centre location like this, which is accessible and sustainable, is generally to have very little, if any, parking."

The developers are considering implementing a car-sharing scheme for the residents, called a car club.

Mr Steel said: "The car club is a fantastic idea because it means residents would have access to a car on demand within the development.

"That will do away with the need to own a car and, therefore, the need to park it."