THE Bournemouth skyline looks set to change as what could be the tallest building in town has been recommended for approval. 

BCP Council officers have said they are happy for the Oxford Gardens scheme, in Oxford Road, Lansdowne to go ahead. 

If given full approval when it goes before the planning committee next week, the building would be 29 storeys high. 

This record currently belongs to The Helm, in Holdenhurst Road, which stands at just 19 floors.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of BournemouthCGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth (Image: Jo Cowen Architects)

Oxford Gardens would replace Holland House and consist of 78 studios, 211 one-bed, 148 two-bed and 37 three-bed flats.

In all, 474 build-to-rent apartments would go on the market. 

Developers Peveril Securities also want to create a gym for residents as well as a co-working space

A case officer report stating why the project should go ahead said there are “clear economic benefits” due to the number of people it would bring.

And, that it would support Bournemouth town centre. 

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of BournemouthCGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth (Image: Jo Cowen Architects)

“The scale and landmark qualities of the development would help in continuing to drive regeneration of this part of the town and encourage further investment,” the report added. 

The report added: “At its peak, this would therefore be the tallest building in this part of the town centre by up to 29.8 metres based on the existing situation, or 11.6 metres if the extant consented outline development at Waverley House is included.  

“This is a significant step up, but considered to be potentially justified in principle given the location within the tall buildings area.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth CGI of the proposed Oxford Gardens scheme for Oxford Road in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth (Image: Jo Cowen Architects)

“The proposed development would become a key landmark in the town centre, which is not necessarily harmful in this area containing tall buildings, but it means that detailed design is very important to create a building of significantly high quality.” 

Peveril Securities described its project as being “a testament to our commitment in the area as a vibrant hub and an attractive place to both live and work”. 

The firm added it would create a “significant number of much needed high-quality new homes for Bournemouth, whilst replacing an unloved outdated building no longer fit for purpose”. 

A decision on Oxford Gardens will be made at a planning committee meeting next week on Friday, November 17.