A FORMER Boscombe school could be transformed into an arts and culture hub as well as providing homes for first-time buyers.

Civic chiefs will meet on Wednesday, July 20 in a bid to end the long debate over the future of the Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts (BCCA) site in Haviland Road.

Proposals include building 14 “affordable” family homes and an arts and culture hub in two listed classrooms.

Other options being considered for the controversial site include developing a community arts centre, expanding the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic and turning the building into a church or school.

A report being considered by Cabinet members will recommend that a business plan should be prepared for the hub and housing proposal.

Council leader Cllr Peter Charon said: “We believe that the development of family houses and an arts and culture hub will best address the priorities of this council for the regeneration of Boscombe.

“Introducing more, much needed family homes aimed at first-time buyers to the area will encourage owner occupiers to put down roots.”

He added: “The establishment of a new arts and culture hub will act as a focus for a whole range of activities and events that will be available in the Boscombe area. We know that local people are passionate about the arts and they will welcome a centre where they can find out what is going on in their area and receive practical help and support for new initiatives.

“We hope the Friends of BCCA will get behind the project and support the council and Bournemouth 2026 in achieving this scheme.

“The site has been vacant since 2007 and it is time for the council to make a decision for the future of this important site for the benefit of the whole Boscombe community.”

Since closing at the end of August 2007 the Friends of BCCA have been campaigned tirelessly for it to be turned into a community centre.