IT WAS the moment the supporters of the Winter Gardens thought they would never see. Few had dared to hope that the unique venue would get a last-minute reprieve.

When Mayor of Bournemouth Doug Eyre used his casting vote to save it from the bulldozer only one question was on everyone's lips.

What happens now?,

Public consultation carried out in the spring revealed that the favourite option of the public was to allow businessman Richard Carr to develop the venue.

But the results of the consultation were ignored at that stage by councillors who rejected his proposals.

Mr Carr, who owns successful and popular bars and night clubs in Bournemouth, accused councillors of being "power-crazy megalomaniacs" at the time.

But now he appears to be prepared to step back into the arena if asked.

Mr Carr, who attended Monday's six-hour meeting, told the Daily Echo: "The council will now send out a development brief for people to tender for the refurbishment of the Winter Gardens.

"As a company we will be responding to the brief and submitting our proposals.

"We are definitely interested and it will be similar to the process we went through before. Here we are, a year down the line, and still talking about the same things, but that's what they call democracy."

Mr Carr's company, Future 3000, planned to fully refurbish the Winter Gardens and to pay rent to the council.

Proposals included performances of music and light entertainment and Mr Carr also pledged 50 days a year guaranteed free use for the council.

He also planned a 15,000 sq ft extension providing bars, restaurants and catering areas.

Councillors have formally asked borough officers to provide them with a detailed report.

They need to know how much cash is needed to carry out work to ensure the public entertainment licence is renewed when it expires at the end of January.

No bookings have been taken for the venue due to uncertainty over its future.

Cllr Ron Whittaker, who supported proposals to save the Winter Gardens, said: "We now have to start the process all over again.

"It is going to have to be opened up again to bidders for the refurbishment of the concert hall.

"The public needs to continue to put pressure on the members of the council."