WE have received a great deal of feedback on our ideas for a Poole Harbour Marine Centre, much of it positive.

I think that it is important that the facts are clear on the proposed scheme and that a balanced view is given.

• Everyone will have a chance to contribute their views and to understand the full background to the scheme.

• No tax payers’ money will be spent on the scheme.

• Over 300 jobs can be created by our port master plan.

• Poole Yacht Club will, we believe, obtain significantly improved facilities.

• The marine centre is not just about creating berths for boats.

• The scheme includes a harbour education centre with access for all to learn about the harbour.

• There will be a dedicated cruise ship berth, which will bring new income to the town.

• It is intended that there will be lift-out facilities for commercial and non-commercial vessels.

• We intend to create a marine business park providing services for existing and new harbour users.

• A new public beach will be created.

• We want to talk to the public to understand what other community features the people of poole and harbour stakeholders want to see in the scheme.

• The centre will provide Poole with the opportunity to host major sailing events in the Harbour.

We will arrange workshops with all residents and interested parties so benefits can be maximised. Dozens of organisations including the local authorities will be involved in this process.

A detailed environment impact assessment will be carried out which will carefully examine every aspect of the scheme.

Extensive consultation will take place – nothing will be rushed.

We understand that there may be concerns about views, however once the scheme is fully understood we believe that these concerns will diminish.

JIM STEWART, Chief Executive, Poole Harbour Commissioners