THE Daily Echo's iconic home in Bournemouth will be getting a dramatic facelift if new plans are approved.

Developer THAT Bournemouth Company 3 Limited plans to refurbish the part-Grade II listed structure in Richmond Hill, also building a three storey extension on the roof, to house a variety of new users alongside the Echo.

According to its application, these include offices, "visitor sleeping accommodation" with rooftop pool, a café, bar and micro distillery.

The planning statement by agents Terence O'Rourke states: "The vision for the development is the refurbishment and reconfiguration of this notable and important Art-Deco building, seeking to transform the old home of Bournemouth media into a modern mixed-use hub for business and leisure.

"Change has already begun in part through the use of part of the building since 2017 for ‘THIS Workspace’, a co-work and private office space for businesses from individual freelancers to small start-ups and growing companies.

"The proposed next step is the wider conversion and partial redevelopment of the Echo Building through a sensitive and comprehensive scheme which retains the Echo newspaper offices, expands the Workspace offering, and introduces new uses to create a mix of commercial and leisure activity within this impressive building."

The developer says it has taken on board feedback from the borough's planning board given at a pre-application hearing in April, as well as "engaging directly" with the Bournemouth Civic Society on the design.

As yet there are no public comments on the application, which was only published last week.

The scheme would see the original main entrance in Richmond Hill opened up with original windows restored and stonework repaired. The Echo's reception would continue to be accessed from Yelverton Road.

The former Ink Bar premises would retain this usage with "a small distillery for the production of craft spirits".

The basement would house a gym and changing area for "THIS Workspace and sleeping accommodation users", as well as bike storage.

The rooftop extension would house the hotel with 53 rooms, a rooftop bar and pool.