A BUTTERFLY farm could form the centrepiece of a major new family attraction for Bournemouth Central Gardens.

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday will be asked to give the thumbs-up to proposals for a high quality play area in the Central Gardens on the site of the current putting green.

The project, to be funded through developers' contributions at no cost to the taxpayer, could also see a re-designed Tennis Centre Pavilion to include a cafe which would overlook the new play area.

One option on the table is for a butterfly farm to be included as part of Bournemouth Borough Council's plans to make the Central Gardens more "family friendly".

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Cabinet member for Economy and Tourism, said that residents rather than tourists would be most likely to benefit from the proposed play facility.

She said: "The whole reason behind this is that the Central Gardens is not accommodating for families.

"What we want to do is provide nice family play facilities in the town centre.

"There is a family play area in the Central Gardens but it's not a fun and welcoming place for children.

"The new area is the perfect place for large play facilities."

There are no details on exactly what form the facility might take but one option on the table is for a butterfly farm to be included within the area, added Cllr Dunlop.

"There is an option that it might be the location for a butterfly farm.

"That is an option but the important thing is high quality play facilities.

"What we also want Cabinet to approve is a nice public cafe which would look right across and overlook the play facilities and be safe and family friendly."