Published on Friday 05 July 2019
BCP Council’s Cabinet are set to consider new lease arrangements with Gervis Meyrick Estate to help support future development of the Happyland site and enable the continuing investment in our award-winning seafront.
At their meeting on Friday 12 July 2019, Cabinet members will consider the option to enter into a licence to progress the redevelopment of this site, which is part of a larger area leased by the Council from Gervis Meyrick Estate under a 999-year lease.
The site currently accommodates an amusement arcade but it is an ageing structure and is no longer fit for purpose. The site is earmarked for redevelopment under the Seafront Strategy but this requires the consent of the Freeholder under the 999-year lease. The proposed structure reflects a new collaborative approach between the Council and the Estate to deliver long term benefit to Bournemouth.
Cllr Lewis Allison, Cabinet member responsible for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, BCP Council, added: "Last year’s market engagement exercise indicated strong interest from a number of potential developers in this site for a variety of uses, all of which provide an improved offer to residents and visitors who enjoy our seafront and award-winning beaches."
Sarah Hordern of Gervis Meyrick Estate said: "Creating a world-class destination at this iconic site would be a huge boost for Bournemouth’s seafront.
"Any redevelopment will need to enhance Bournemouth’s ongoing vision as the nation’s leading marine resort, and that will remain our priority for the future of the site."
If the new lease and licence arrangements are approved the landowners will start the tender process for appointing an independent developer. BCP Council would then grant a 150-year lease on the site to the preferred developer once planning permission has been secured.