BCP Council will consider new lease arrangements for the Happyland amusement site on Bournemouth seafront.
At their meeting on Friday, cabinet members will consider new lease arrangements with Gervis Meyrick Estate for the Happyland site.
Their aim is to help support future development of the Happyland site and enable the continuing investment into Bournemouth’s award winning seafront.
The option to enter a licence will be considered in order to progress the redevelopment of the site, which is leased by the Council from Gervis Meyrick Estate under a 999-year lease.
Currently, the site is accommodated by an amusement arcade. However, this is an ageing structure and is no longer fit for such a purpose. It is marked for redevelopment under the Seafront Strategy, but requires consent of the Freeholder under the 999-year lease.
Cllr Lewis Allison, Cabinet member responsible for Tourism, Leisure and Communities at BCP Council said: “Last year’s market engagement exercise indicated strong interest from a number of potential developers in this site for a variety of uses, all of which provide an improved offer to residents and visitors who enjoy our seafront and award-winning beaches.”
Sarah Hordern of Gervis Meyrick Estate added: “Creating a world-class destination at this iconic site would be a huge boost for Bournemouth’s seafront.
“Any redevelopment will need to enhance Bournemouth’s ongoing vision as the nation’s leading marine resort, and that will remain our priority for the future of the site.”
If the new arrangements are approved, landowners will start the tender process for appointing an independent developer.
Following this, BCP Council would grant a 150-year lease on the site to the preferred developer once planning permission has been assured.
Click here for more local news.