A BLOCK of flats could be built on the site of the Winter Gardens after all - under a surprise proposal put forward by a top councillor.

Demolishing the historic concert hall and replacing it with a development of new homes and a small theatre has been described as "probably the only way forward" by Liberal Democrat cabinet member Cllr Adrian Fudge (thumbnail picture).

And the council has already written to the developers who previously expressed an interest in building on the site with a view to kick-starting discussions.

Cllr Fudge, cabinet member with responsibility for quality services and value for money, told the Daily Echo it could take them more than a decade to find the finance to reopen the Winter Gardens in accordance with the party's manifesto pledge.

But selling the site to a developer on the condition that their scheme includes a cultural facility would provide the town with a free new theatre and could also generate a small capital receipt for the council.

Cllr Fudge said: "It's not on the table at the moment but this item will go to scrutiny committee and I hope to encourage them to make a recommendation along these lines. The idea would be part residential, along with a 300-seater theatre and hopefully a music school in conjunction with the orchestra.

"We've got to be realistic about the situation at the moment. When we came into power there was no programme for asset disposal. By using private money, we can finally take the scheme forward."

Local developer Placidi Homes submitted plans to replace the theatre with a 500-seater perform-ance venue and 55 flats in 2001.

Director Adriano Placidi said his scheme "never got a look in" three years ago so he was surprised when the council recently contacted him asking to discuss his plans again.

"It seems the obvious way forward to me and I think if the plans were presented to the public in the right way, most people would accept them," he said.

Conservative group leader Cllr Stephen Macloughlin welcomed the new development as a "move in the right direction".

But he added: "I would need to be persuaded there is a demand in Bournemouth for a 300-seater auditorium in addition to what's happening at the BIC and what's proposed for the Pavilion."

But the idea has been criticised by the Friends of the Winter Gardens. Chairman Father Raphael said: "We've got three small theatres. What do we need another one for? This goes against everything they promised."

First published: Oct 20