RESIDENTS have rallied together and put forward striking plans to create an ‘iconic’ new destination hotel codenamed Project Marconi.

As reported, developers Fortitudo submitted plans to replace the Haven Hotel on Banks Road with 119 flats.

However, the Sandbanks Community Group hit out at the proposals saying the loss of the hotel would be ‘devastating’.

Now, it has unveiled alternative proposals as it hopes to save the hotel and its facilities 'for the good of the community'.

It has been working on the scheme since August 2022 and has the backing of some 550 residents and businesses from the Sandbanks peninsula.

Bournemouth Echo: The plans feature a 100m tall 'beacon'.

The plans feature an esplanade between the beach and the chain ferry, alongside a sea-swimming lido and an artificial reef to boost biodiversity.

The hotel would boast bars and a restaurant, conference space, a wellness centre and a 100m tall ‘beacon’, which would include 12 luxury suites.

Fortitudo's plans for the site:

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This is inspired by the historic masts that were erected at the site by Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the wireless telegraph system.

It is hoped this will provide a landmark and focal point for the entrance to Poole Harbour, visible from miles around.

Bournemouth Echo: Architect Philip Gumuchdjian and Norman Allenby Smith.

Chairman Norman Allenby-Smith said conversations were underway to fund the project which will be the next step.

“One option for going forward is that we have a consortium of local people who finance the building, and then we get a hotel manager to actually run it,” he said.

“There's a lot of enthusiasm and I'm sure in one version or another it will happen.”

He said another option is having a hotel group come in and help to finance the development, but he said these groups need to have confirmation from the council that the plan is feasible.

Bournemouth Echo: Along with the hotel, an esplanade with shops and cafes is proposed, and a lido.

Committee member Lucie Allen added: “We want the wider community to know what we've been doing, why we've been doing it, and why we would like an outcome like this, which isn't just for us, for everybody.”

Architect Philip Gumuchdjian said the project was ‘unheard of’, to have the community, the architect and possibly council planners working towards ’positive’ plans to make the site a ‘destination’.

Planners are due to provide feedback on the pre-application in the coming months.

To view the plans, visit the Sandbanks Community Group website.