In a bid to remain vibrant and with the times the Dorset Town of Bournemouth is planning a £59 million facelift with a new casino forming the centre piece of the ambitious project.

The Bournemouth Pavilion Gardens re-design features rooftop gardens with sea views, a casino, an outside performance space and restaurants.

Under the plans, the Pavilion will be restored to its former Victorian glory.
 
The scheme, supported by English Heritage and the South West Regional Development Agency, is expected to create an extra 350 jobs in the area.

The plans also include a new regional dance centre and a luxury rooftop spa.

While the casino covers 38,093 sq ft, of which 14,900 sq ft will be the gaming area it has been somewhat downsized from original plans due to concerns from residents in the area.

Stephen MacLoughlin, leader of the council, said: "We're delighted to unveil these latest plans.
 
"They include better quality outside space to be enjoyed by anyone in the town, whether or not they choose to eat in the restaurants, attend a performance or visit the casino."

He said Bournemouth Borough Council is keen to have residents' feedback before the plans are considered by the planning board in March.

Work to demolish the unsightly 1970s West Terrace extension is already complete and the public is beginning to get a flavour of the open air terraces overlooking the Lower Gardens that the Pavilion enjoyed in its heyday.

Developer Trevor Osborne is investing £13m in the restoration of the Grade II Listed Pavilion and work to demolish the 1970s West Terrace extension is already complete.

He said this week that “this development will regenerate the Town Centre as our previous projects elsewhere have done. It might be my name on the lease but I recognise that it belongs to the people of Bournemouth – we want them to enjoy and feel proud of it.”