Tourism leaders have asked BCP Council to wait for an independent review before final decisions are made on promenade hospitality leases in Bournemouth and Southbourne. Tourism leaders want decisions on two BCP seafront venues paused until an independent review finishes. BCP Council was due to consider long leases yesterday for hospitality sites on West Beach Promenade in Bournemouth and Southbourne Promenade, with recommendations for terms of 25 years and 20 years respectively. The Destination Management Board said the review announced by Council Leader Millie Earl should finish before lea
Tourism leaders want decisions on two BCP seafront venues paused until an independent review finishes.
BCP Council was due to consider long leases yesterday for hospitality sites on West Beach Promenade in Bournemouth and Southbourne Promenade, with recommendations for terms of 25 years and 20 years respectively.
The Destination Management Board said the review announced by Council Leader Millie Earl should finish before leases are finalised, and Andy Lennox, its chair, said the sites support jobs, footfall and the area’s reputation as a "year round destination".
Concern grew after SoBo Beach, which runs the Southbourne venue, said it had not been chosen as the preferred bidder, while thousands of residents have signed a petition calling for the business to be saved.
Ms Earl said the council is "keen to explore interim arrangements" so the Southbourne site does not sit empty, and the board says residents, community groups, tourism firms, the Coastal BID and DMB should be able to contribute.
Mr Lennox said an "open, fair and transparent process" would help build confidence in the outcome, while the board will continue working with the council, operators and the wider community.
