IT’S the news many people have longed to hear – Bournemouth’s controversial Imax building is to be razed to the ground.

The Waterfront complex, once labelled the worst building in England, is set to make way for an open-air events space suitable for BSO concerts, dance and drama performances, pop concerts and sports events.

Bournemouth council had been trying to market the seafront site to private developers but, because of the poor economic climate and the constraints of the site, their efforts failed to generate any interest.

Demolishing the building will cost £2million – the remainder of the council’s £8.5m budget for the scheme. But leader of the council Cllr John Beesley said they were “not prepared” to allow the building to sit there while they waited for the market to improve.

“We know how strong local people’s desire is to see the building demolished and the space used for something they can use and appreciate,” he said.

“Ultimately, the private sector will be involved in delivering a comprehensive redevelopment of the wider area, but we know from our market testing that the development market is not buoyant enough to take forward acceptable schemes at present.”

The events programme is likely to be managed by BH Live, who already operate the rest of the council’s leisure and entertainment venues, including the BIC and Pavilion.

The BSO and Pavilion Dance will use the space but it could also host beach volleyball, racquet sports, speciality markets, an open-air cinema and extreme sports attractions.

Terence O’Rourke, chairman of the BSO, said: “We are working closely with the council and are actively seeking ways of increasing our presence in the town, particularly in the summer months.

“The BSO is very excited about any opportunities to bring further BSO events and performances to Bournemouth and we look forward to seeing how these plans develop and to helping the council in any way that we can.”

Peter Gunn, chief executive of BH Live, added: “We have a great deal of experience of bringing quality events to our current venues, which include the BIC and Pavilion theatre. We welcome discussions on any further opportunities to be involved in complementing what Bournemouth, and our venues, can offer residents and visitors.”

A full report on the future of this site will go before cabinet members on April 25, when councillors will be asked to agree to spend £2m demolishing the building and creating an events space as phase one of plans to redevelop the wider area.