Part of Winter Gardens site untouched a year after demolition

Rubble and dirt has remained untouched on the section of the Winter Gardens site in Exeter Road following a demolition project last winter.

The former office block at Keystone House, Lost Paradise nightclub, Funki Griller restaurant and Valentino Restaurant were all flattened over a 16-week period, which came to an end 12 months ago.

BCP Council went to market in early 2022 inviting potential hospitality, retail and leisure providers to pitch their ideas for the temporary use of the site.

In June, council deputy leader Cllr Philip Broadhead said there had been a “positive response with some inspiring ideas coming forward”.

The vacant part of the Winter Gardens site in Bournemouth

He said the local authority was waiting detailed proposals before moving forward to reveal exciting plans. However, there has been no announcements since.

Responding to questions from the Daily Echo, Cllr Broadhead said: “The majority of the (Winter Gardens) site currently remains in use as an income generating car park.

“We’re continuing to explore the viability and potential to provide temporary uses with operators who have expressed an interest in this site.”

While part of the land has remained vacant, the council has tasked its wholly owned urban regeneration company, BCP FuturePlaces, to consider wider redevelopment plans, including the BIC site.

Cllr Broadhead described this as a “holistic approach”, with FuturePlaces expected to report back to the council in late spring this year.

Cllr Philip Broadhead (Image: BCP Council)

Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) – the joint venture partnership between BCP Council and Muse Developments, a Morgan Sindall Group company – contracted the demolition work.

Planning permission has already been secured by BDC for a £150million scheme which would see more than 350 flats and new leisure and retail space, alongside 600 parking spaces.

“The Winter Gardens site forms part of Bournemouth’s main visitor destination, and we know how much interest there is in any development taking place in this area,” Cllr Broadhead said.

The proposed Winter Gardens piazza

“We are determined to take forward plans that incorporate our unique identity, making sure we create a place where people and businesses want to be and that gives local people somewhere they can feel proud of.

“Through the council’s wholly owned regeneration arm, FuturePlaces, we have the opportunity to look at what is possible by taking a holistic approach to the future development in this part of town, ensuring we create something that interconnects with neighbouring sites and the environment in which they sit.”