AFTER the sorry story of the Imax, it’s time to look forward with optimism.

The hated building is to be flattened and replaced with a space, albeit at the almighty cost of £8.5million. And a space, presumably, means a view.

Bringing an Imax cinema to Bournemouth was a bold concept but it was built in completely the wrong place. And as soon as the structure took shape, Bournemouth people took a dim view of it. Almost literarily, for it blocked a beautiful sea view.

So not only will Bournemouth be able to delight in the cherished bay view but it will have an open-air space where concerts, dances, sports events and, ironically, even cinema can take place.

What Bournemouth must do now is make sure this decent, though very pricey, plan for an open space turns into something special.

As well as enjoying the view out to Old Harry and the Isle of Wight, the people of Bournemouth will be studying the outlook for this plum site very closely indeed.