PLANS for a major scheme which involves demolishing a car park and commercial buildings in Glen Fern Road which includes Cameo, Norwegian Wood Cafe and Oasis Fun have been submitted.

Fortitudo Ltd has applied to BCP Council for permission to demolish the buildings to make way for “ground-breaking” facilities, spearheaded by property developer Richard Carr.

If approved, the works could take four years, and Mr Carr, chief executive of Fortitudo, said he wanted to “bring something back that is much, much better”.

The buildings involved in the demolition includes the car park, Cameo nightclub, Oasis Fun, Norwegian Wood Café, Laser Quest Bournemouth and Glen Fern Garage.

The site was acquired by Fortitudo and Interceptor Opportunities, who plan to build a new nightclub, bowling facility cinema and hotel.

Works are expected to begin in June 2022, if approved, and to finish in June 2026.

A risk assessment determined there was a high risk of workers being trapped by materials, however this would be significantly reduced by toolbox talks, putting paths far away from buildings and an isolation of plant working areas.

It also found there would be a high risk of asbestos, but a company would be contracted to remove any asbestos prior to demolition.

As reported, Fortitudo plans to build a new building which will include a 40,000 square foot nightclub, a 36,000 square foot ten-pin bowling facility, 15,000 square feet of bars and restaurants, a 20,000 square foot cinema, a 120 bedroom hotel and a 600 capacity multi-storey car park.

There will also be 350 apartments available to rent and 250 apartments put on the market.

Mr Carr said: “We’re keen to try and bring back something that is much, much better and will make Bournemouth a great place to live.

“That building is not particularly attractive and the time has come for something to happen. The offices above Cameo have not been occupied for 30 years and most of the building in Fir Vale Road is not occupied.

“This falls in with the regeneration of Bournemouth, and these facilities will be ground-breaking.

“There will be great new amenities for people.

“The residential living in the new building will help Bournemouth’s housing need, which is woefully low at the moment, and it will bring life into the town.

“All commercial premises will be operated by tenants.”

The Cameo premises have been used by clubbers for generations, going by a succession of names including Zig Zag, the Cage & Zoo and Lava Ignite.

It is expected to reopen later this month for the first time since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic when the last remaining restrictions are lifted on July 19 - ‘freedom day’.