HAVING taken a peek at the amended model of the proposed Pavilion scheme by the Trevor Osborne Group, after people didn't want a casino (hooray), the cinema is to be concealed underground and the green swirly construction area raised to the level of Westover Road.
However, I would say it looks no different than it did before – it still resembles a wedding cake!
In fact, the only thing I like about it is the use of the indigenous Dorset wild flowers in the garden area.
It was confirmed to me that the scheme was conceived around the need to upgrade the Pavilion but do we really need masses more shops and restaurants when so many businesses have succumbed to this new financial era?
I was advised that they weren't trying to “compete” with what is currently in place but, at the same time, no attempts have been made to blend it in harmoniously with the iconic Royal Bath Hotel or the Pavilion and it will become a permanent scar on the landscape looking across from the Royal Bath towards the BIC area.
In the years to come people will probably look upon it as a second, much hated and costly white elephant like the Imax.
Bournemouth’s heritage is being gradually swept aside and being replaced by ugly modern buildings which have been shown not to stand the test of time.
You have only to look at what has happened to the Lansdowne area to see how discredited it has become since having modern characterless blocks of glass and concrete quickly thrown together.
We are left with a mish-mash of old and new – the new already looking tired. Indeed, one office block at the Lansdowne is already deserted, derelict and looks very sad, unwanted and unloved already.
KAREN LAWMAN, Marlborough Road, Westbourne
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