Pier Approach (from l-r) Council Leader Councillor John Beesley, Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, and Bill Cotton, Executive Director for Environment and Economy
Work is nearing completion at Pier Approach as the council’s 20-year vision to develop a world class seafront in Bournemouth comes a step closer.
Specially designed paving has now been laid around the water play feature to create the illusion that the Bourne stream flows from the Gardens to the sea once again.
Timber roofs are currently being built on the steel leaf structures which will form the new open shelter and landmark tourist information kiosk. Specially commissioned glass surrounds will shortly be craned into place to house the structure closest to the sea which is well on its way to becoming the new information kiosk with the internal fit-out to follow.
Two 25 metre high lighting columns have been installed either side of the Pier Entrance building with the remaining seven metre high columns arriving on site this week.
The Prom Cafe has now re-opened.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor John Beesley, said: “Improving the gateway from the gardens to the seafront is a vitally important investment for the council and is another step towards creating a world-class resort.
“Bournemouth is bursting with award-winning gardens, parks and beaches and the redevelopment of Pier Approach will demonstrate the quality of what Bournemouth has to offer. We want the town to retain its crown as the best UK coastal resort which will require high-quality attractions and continuing investment.”
The site will be opened up in stages starting with the newly paved area around the water play feature, Undercliff Drive, the East Cliff slope, the open shelter and finally the new information kiosk.
Once phase one is finished, Pier Approach will begin to present a contemporary gateway from the Gardens to the seafront which will attract families and visitors to the water play feature and the vibrant atmosphere whilst at night the area will be lit up by colourful low-energy displays.
Bournemouth Council has funded these improvement works on the eastern side of Pier Approach to underpin the tourism economy at a cost of £4 million. A future phase of work for the western side of the Pier will follow as funding allows.
The transformation of Pier Approach will be completed ahead of the summer season.
