Bournemouth's Imax ideas

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Various options for replacing the hated and much maligned Imax transforming Bournemouth’s prestigious Waterfront site have been announced – and now it’s over to residents to help make the final decision.

Two popular suggestions – a swimming pool or an ice rink – have not made the cut, but the shortlist includes two other ideas for water-based attractions, an arts centre and museum, a space for performing arts, play facilities, tropical gardens, and a shopping and restaurants development.

Council leader Stephen MacLoughlin said that since the Council announced that it had bought the Waterfront, it has, as expected, been inundated with ideas from the public for what could replace the Imax building. Mr MacLoughlin confirmed that there were a number of exciting options on the Council's shortlist. The eventual development may include a combination of these, but the Council need's the public’s views to help them prioritise.

After years of criticism about the impact of the Imax building on one of the town’s greatest assets – the sea views over the pier to Purbeck and the Isle of Wight – Cllr MacLoughlin promised a building that would make residents proud. He stated that the Council shared people’s concerns that any development on the site must respect sea views and be sympathetic to its surrounding area.

He added that as well as public opinion, the Council need's to consider how commercially viable each option would be, as well as how much space it would require – including the size of any replacement building on the site.

It appears that some suggestions were ruled out because the council knew they would not generate enough income to be attractive to a private investor, or because it was thought they would be better located in another part of town.

Views are now invited on the use of the site, and will be followed by further consultation later in the year when the council is ready to consider the actual design of the building.