COUNCIL chiefs voted to demolish the Winter Gardens on Wednesday night after one cabinet member urged: "The sooner we make this decision, the better."

Deputy leader Cllr Adrian Fudge said he believed Bournemouth residents were sick and tired of the indecision surrounding the fate of the historic concert hall.

And he said the plans to replace it with a purpose-built arts centre represented an opportunity for the town to build something it could be proud of.

Cllr Fudge, who is also cabinet member for resources, said: "The sooner we take the decision to remove the building the better - then we can stop all the unnecessary debate.

"It makes sense for this town and it will mean we can move on with something positive. The town is fed up with this debate and is looking for a clear lead."

His proposal that a design brief be produced and architects appointed to work on plans for the £8million arts centre was unanimously supported by the rest of the cabinet.

They made their decision after listening to an impassioned plea by Father Raphael, chair of the Friends of the Winter Gardens.

He said demolishing the Winter Gardens was "unthinkable" and asked councillors: "Is this really the legacy you want to leave for your children and grandchildren? This is a decision that can never be corrected if you get it wrong."

Fears that the new arts centre would be an "Imax-type" building were also quelled.

Cllr Angela Manton, project champion, said: "We've said time and time again that this building is going to be of the highest quality. We will stand by that."

First published: September 8, 2005