A CIVIC leader is calling for Bournemouth’s seafront Imax building to be transformed into a tropical butterfly farm.

Cllr Rod Cooper, cabinet member for economy, leisure and tourism, said: “Butterfly farms are very successful in other parts of the world like Australia and Canada and I’d like to see one here; possibly in the Imax building.

“It would fit in perfectly with what local people have told us they would like to see there.”

Cllr Cooper revealed plans to visit the world’s first butterfly farm in Stratford-Upon-Avon, along with council officers.

He said: “We are going to have a look at the operation there. I hope we can encourage an operator to run one here who can ensure the enterprise is commercially viable. It is my dream and I believe it is right for Bournemouth.”

Cllr Cooper was among those who backed a decision to cut the hated Imax building down in size.

He said: “We want to restore the views and I am convinced that we can transform the building into a successful all-weather family attraction.”

Despite many cash-strapped families being forced to curtail their spending as rising prices and cuts begin to bite, Cllr Cooper says: “I can’t imagine a more exciting time for tourism.”

His vision for Bournemouth also includes planting clusters of palm trees on the beach, opening up the under-used Central and Upper Pleasure Gardens with various activities including pony and trap rides, as well as staging more festivals and possibly a Bournemouth marathon.

He said: “Without tourism, Bournemouth would be a ghost town. I’d like to see more restaurants along the promenade and not have to travel to Poole to buy my cockles and mussels.

“The land train route will certainly be expanded, to take people from Boscombe seafront to the shopping precinct. I’d also like to see passengers being transported up to the Triangle area.

“Despite its age, Bournemouth has a rich history and I’d like to see historical re-enactments and some of our wonderful old churches opened up to the public.”