Plans for Glen Fern Road in Bournemouth submitted to BCP Council

The huge proposal for two key areas of the town could redevelop Glen Fern Road, and demolish a building once voted one of the ugliest in Britain.

If approved, the scheme would demolish the existing buildings and in their place build a 14 to 24 storey building.

Within this would be leisure space including a nightclub, boutique cinema, indoor bowling, restaurants and sky bar.

CGI of the development in Glen Fern Road

There would also be 500 flats, a 104-bedroom hotel and 464 capacity multi-storey car park.

One of the buildings earmarked for demolition includes South Western House, which has been largely empty since HM Revenue and Customs relocated during the 1990s.

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The existing car park facility would also be demolished and commercial buildings in Glen Fern Road which house businesses including Cameo, Norwegian Wood Cafe, a garage and Oasis Fun would go.

The company behind the plans, Fortitudo said they hope planning permission will be granted this year with the scheme completed by 2027.

CGI of development

They say in a planning statement: "The development represents a very significant investment in the town centre and will undoubtedly have a significantly positive impact on the town centre as a whole.

"It will also serve to add to footfall and will increase the vibrancy of the town centre, which will also benefit the existing town centre businesses."

Richard Carr, chief executive of Fortitudo Ltd, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity to bring forward such a high-quality and sustainable development which will help to rejuvenate a key part of central Bournemouth."

The plans have been amended since a public consultation last summer, with the number of flats, car park and size of the hotel reduced.

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The sky bar on the top level of the building also includes a terrace, with flats on levels underneath, along with hotel bedrooms.

A design and access statement with the application to BCP Council's planning department, says there would be a restaurant, bar arcade and basement bowling alley and nightclub.

A cinema is proposed for the ground floor with two restaurants and entrance to the nightclub.

The statement adds: "The skybar and associated terrace occupies the top floor and will provide spectacular views over the town and coastline."

The proposal includes a 'feature tower' which is described as ‘ship like’ in its plan form.

Parking-wise, there will be 464 spaces in total – 398 for 'town centre uses' and 66 for the residential element. However, the development also includes 828 cycle parking spaces.

The statement adds: "New residents, staff and visitors at the proposed development will be encouraged to undertake journeys by foot or bicycle where appropriate.

"The location of the site is ideal for the promotion of active travel journeys as it is within the town centre, and therefore a vast array of key local facilities, such as supermarkets, medical facilities, restaurants and leisure facilities are within short walking or cycling distance."