Improve or remove?

Radical ideas unveiled for Bournemouth’s flyover

These artist’s impressions give a flavour of how the flyover at Pier Approach could be improved or removed under Bournemouth’s Town Centre Master Vision.

Among the questions being asked of the public in a new consultation document is whether the Council should remove the flyover (improving links between the gardens and the beach but losing a major through route) or make it more attractive with a pedestrian walkway giving sea and garden views.

Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of Bournemouth Council, said:  “The beach and Pier Approach is in effect Bournemouth’s shop window, yet at the moment the flyover provides an unsightly barrier and the Pier Approach is cluttered. Tackling this area is a major step in the vision.

“We’d like to make the paved area at Pier Approach more attractive, with a landscaped area for public performances and alfresco dining.”

A transport study will help the Council assess what impact losing the flyover could have – that, together with your comments will help the Council to reach a decision.

Plans are already underway to create a regional dance centre in the seaside end of Bournemouth Pavilion. The vision aims to link to that centre with a series of events and festivals.

Cllr Beesley added: “We’ve got to this stage through lengthy discussion with the public. Many residents wrote in asking us to ‘remove the IMAX’ – the building is in private ownership so our options are limited. But we will prioritise public investment if the opportunity arises to bring improvements there.”

A DVD explaining the vision is available to download from the Council’s website and, over the coming days, further information about the vision will be revealed.

For a copy of the consultation document call 01202 458229 or visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/towncentrevision.

Consultation closes on October 31, 2008.