THE site of Bournemouth’s Winter Gardens could be transformed into a £900,000 visitor attraction encompassing a children’s adventure playground, an aerial rope extreme activity and pirate-themed crazy golf.

Plans for the temporary three-year attraction, pending long-term development of the prime town centre site, are likely to be given the green light by civic leaders next Wednesday.

In a report to the Cabinet, Town Centre Master Vision programme director Stephen Godsall recommends that Ringwood-based Planning Solutions is appointed as preferred bidder for the scheme.

Planning Solutions has offered to rent the site and share income following a series of meetings with the council.

Mr Godsall said: “The company principals have a strong track record in attractions development including Centre Parcs Cumbria.

“The business plan appears well thought out, based on comparable trading operations. The facilities are being designed and installed by specialist companies with a quality track record of working at attractions such as Legoland, Centre Parcs and Trentham Gardens.

“The scheme involves investment of around £900,000, some of which could be moved to other locations if this site is only available for three years.”

It is envisaged that the attraction could be launched as part of Bournemouth’s bi-centenary celebrations next spring.

Mr Godsall added that leaving the site as a temporary car park, until major redevelopment as part of the Master Vision plan, would be “an under use of this asset.”

Car parking will still be offered on part of the site.