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What's happened so far?
In October 2010, the Council completed acquisition of all leases within the building, ahead of schedule and within budget. After approaching the market for a suitable operator in summer 2011, none of the proposals that came forward satisfied the requirements of the public consultation.
Since we have consistently been asked by the public to take down the ugly building and restore the sea views it was decided that in the interim, whilst we wait for a developer to come forward with a suitable proposal for the site, it would be best to demolish the building, leaving an open space for people to enjoy the sea views and where a range of events could be hosted at certain times throughout the year.
The deconstruction of the building - a timetable of works
Dismantling of the building commenced in November 2012. The open air site will be completed by June 2013.
The building has been dismantled, starting from the inside, and so the deconstruction of the building was not visible from the outside until early 2013. Materials from the building are being recycled where possible.
Timetable of site works
The works on site have been split into three phases:
Phase 1 - November-December 2012
Site set-up and internal deconstruction works including:
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setting up the site compound to provide a safe working area
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erection of hoardings and scaffolding
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stripping out of all the internal fixtures and fittings
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strengthening works to the ground floor slab
Phase 2 - January-April 2013
External deconstruction works including:
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Removal of roof structure
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Removal of the glazing panels and the steel structure
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Breaking up of the concrete floors within the building
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Removal of waste from site for recycling
During this period you could see the building being dismantled and the famous sea views gradually coming into view once again.
Phase 3 - April-June 2013
Landscaping and finishing works including:
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Installation of lighting
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Hard landscaping
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Installation of handrails, balustrades and street furniture
Summer 2013
The Pier Approach open space will be complete and available to host events that could include a mix of music theatre, dance, arts and sports.
The new Pier Approach open space
The new Pier Approach space will be open throughout the year and available for organisations to host a range of events. The Council will also use the space to host a number of events during the year.
The space will be flexible – suitable for staging, seating or open-plan use, depending on the event and the expected audience it will attract. Some events will be free, others ticketed.
Examples of the type of events that could take place:
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Silent Disco
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Big Screen events
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Christmas ice rink
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Zumba on the Shore
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Climbing wall and zip wire
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Friday Family Fiesta street performers
Free Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concerts
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will play two free concerts at 4pm and 8pm on Saturday 29 June to celebrate the opening of the new public space at Pier Approach.
Tickets, which are being allocated via a free ballot, have attracted huge interest from local residents. They are limited to four per household and preference is going residents living in BH postcodes. Successful applicants will be notified of how many tickets thay have been allocated by 10 May 2013. Everyone that entered the ballot will also be contracted over the coming weeks.
An artist's impression of the new Pier Approach space
Below is an artist impression which shows an example of how the Pier Approach space could be used during the Bournemouth Air Festival.
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