BOURNEMOUTH town centre is set to be transformed as major proposals for a 24-storey multi-use development are given the green light.
Members of BCP Council’s planning committee went against their officer’s recommendation and voted to approve developer Fortitudo’s plans for a £200million residential and hotel tower between Glen Fern Road and Fir Vale Road.
The plans, which were submitted in January last year and redesigned in September, also include a nightclub, boutique cinema, Flip Out adventure park, restaurants and sky bar.
“Be brave” was the message given by supporters who described the project as a lifeline for the area in terms of economic and societal growth.
Critics, meanwhile, opined the scheme would dominate the skyline and harm the heritage of nearby buildings such as the Grade I listed St Peter’s Church. Lack of affordable housing provision or three/four-bedroom flats were also questioned.
Just four public objections were lobbied against the scheme.
Speaking as a ward councillor, member for Bournemouth Central Mike Greene said: “This particular location has never been able to lift itself from its shabby state.
“[This application] offers a real change. In short, it’s a lifeline for this area. One that can reverse its fortunes.
“There’s a key difference between Mr Carr and so many other applicants, when he gets planning permission he gets it built.”
A desire to improve the site was echoed by Bournemouth Town Centre BID chief Paul Kinvig for the positive impact such a scheme could have on neighbouring businesses.
Cllr Toby Johnson said: “I think it looks absolutely fantastic and certainly better than what is there – several lumps of disgusting concrete that look atrocious and diminish everything around them.
“What’s proposed is vastly more modern and better looking than the current buildings that are hideous and decaying at a significant rate.”
Reservations were shown by others including Cllr George Farquhar who tried to steer the discussion to focus on the case officer’s recommendations over loss of sunlight reaching nearby properties.
“What today is a shiny new thing is tomorrow’s slum,” he said.
Despite concerns, most members decided the contemporary, multi-use development would help regenerate the area from an “irreversible decline”.
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“Times are changing, we’re not sitting in the dark ages anymore,” said committee chair Cllr Dave Kelsey shortly before members voted eight to five in favour of the proposal.
Speaking to the Echo after the meeting, Fortitudo CEO Richard Carr said: “If we’re to regenerate this town, we’ve got to be bold. To do that you have to go bigger, otherwise what’s the point in doing it?
“I think this could completely transform Bournemouth. There’s a lot of work to do yet but it’s full steam ahead now. We’re excited.”
It is hoped the project could be completed by 2027.
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