Controversial plans to revamp a seaside restaurant in Dorset as part of a new £12.5m leisure complex have been given the green light.
The Rockwater venue on Branksome Chine in Poole is set to expand its operations by redeveloping the neighbouring Branksome Beach Restaurant, and is also looking to invest in another site on the seafront at Sandbanks to form a new “lifestyle hub”.
The owners of the business, which already run a similar venture under the Rockwater name in Hove, East Sussex, have said the move could create “hundreds” of local jobs, with an opening scheduled for the summer.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have now approved the plans, despite hundreds of residents writing to object over concerns about an increase in noise, possible anti-social behaviour and pressure on parking.
Rockwater said its proposals for the Branksome Beach Restaurant, which include a family restaurant and entertainment venue with a retractable roof, had been designed to “blend in with the local space” while it had consulted with local resident groups throughout the application process.
Founder Luke Davis told BusinessLive's sister website DorsetLive: ”People in Hove were worried thinking it was going to be a nightclub with people getting drunk and causing nuisance – none of that has happened. We want to create a year-round community hub in both [Branksome and Sandbanks] which connect to each other and provide something for everyone.
“As well as food and drink, we want these spaces – especially Branksome – to house community activities like film screenings, drop-in centres for health awareness, meet and greets with authors, yoga, and much more.”
Rockwater’s current cafe and bar next to the restaurant, which dates back to the 1930s, replaced the former Branksome Chine Beach Shop.
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