MAJOR plans to repair Bournemouth Pier, stabilise the East Cliff and create a new lifeguard training centre have been unveiled following an £18m government cash injection to transform the seafront.

A total of £18.2m in levelling up funding has been awarded to BCP Council for a number of projects along Bournemouth and Poole seafront.

The council said the cash would allow the prom at East Cliff to be reopened with a long-term vision to reinstate a new cliff lift.

Read more: East Cliff Lift: Will the cliff side lift ever be restored?

Much-needed repairs to Bournemouth’s Pier will also "extend its life and creating new opportunities to develop it further".

Meanwhile, the existing building at Joseph Steps will also be refurbished and extended into a new a lifeguard training and education centre as well as a community hub.

Other plans submitted include seawall repairs at Hamworthy Park, which would secure the future of the promenade, and improvements between Bournemouth West Cliff and Boscombe Pier which include more power and water services as well as a 5G infrastructure.

Work on the proposals is expected to start later this year and will be delivered over the next three years.

Bournemouth Echo:

Councillor Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and portfolio holder for development, growth and regeneration said: “This is fantastic news for our whole conurbation. It has been an amazing team effort securing this money, and I'd particularly like to thank Conor Burns MP who has been instrumental in promoting these plans with government."

He added: “This money will help improve seafront infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of current and future generations.

Read more: 'Repair Bournemouth Pier - or we fear we'll lose it forever'

“It will also see the creation of more jobs for local people, attracting new visitors down south and encouraging everyone to explore the rich coastal heritage and rural beaches beyond Bournemouth, attracting further investment along the award-winning coastline.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Read more: Council's beachfront restaurant 'lost' £176,000 in just four weeks

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant Places, said: “I’m truly delighted that we’ve received this funding for the seafront.

"It feeds into our seafront strategy and will be spent on projects that will have a significant impact on our seafront development, such as the rejuvenation of Bournemouth Pier which needs infrastructure repairs, and stabilising the East Cliff which will enable us to leverage funding and investment opportunities for a new cliff lift in the future.“

Councillor Toby Johnson, lead member for levelling up and skills, said: “This funding award is great news for the development of the seafront, both from an economic point of view as well as a holiday destination."