Published on Friday 05 June 2020
A bold vision to establish a new year-round attraction and enhanced amenities on Southbourne’s Blue Flag beach will go before cabinet on 24 June.
If approved, plans would replace the current ‘Bistro on the Beach’ with a new destination facility on the same footprint by summer 2023
Structural surveys have concluded the existing building is no longer economic to repair. The new building, nestled in the cliff, would be fully accessible via pedestrian walkway from the car park, to a platform with commanding views and provide a public lift from the cliff top to the promenade for the first time.
Plans include a restaurant at promenade level with extensive outdoor dining; up to 120 internal covers and 100 external covers plus a separate kiosk. The first-floor level would find 16 brand new beach lodges, offering a short stay experience for up to four guests on the beachfront and featuring kitchens, bathrooms, heating, Wi-Fi and television. The lodges would be a premium version of the successful Bournemouth Beach Lodges operation at Manor Steps and be powered with solar energy. Visitors to these beach lodges would enjoy exclusive use of a spa and treatment room facility.
New public toilets and a beach office would complete the complex.
Councillor Lewis Allison, Portfolio Holder for Tourism said; "We’re continuing to invest in projects like these which provide great experiences right on our superb seafront for visitors, improve local amenities for everyone and generate an income for the council benefitting frontline services".
If approved a planning application could be submitted towards the end of the year.