Town centre event may not go ahead as council has concerns

A SUMMER event planned to bring new life into Bournemouth town centre has been recommended for rejection by BCP Council.

Planning officer Eden Evans called for councillors to reject the planned roller rink in the Lower Gardens in a report.

Ms Evans said Seventa Events, the business behind Summer Skate, had “failed to demonstrate an acceptable impact on pedestrian safety”.

She added the venue would have a “harmful impact on bus operations” and that the event’s plane, scheduled to run from July 19 to August 26, failed to show “acceptable impact on flooding”.

In her report, Ms Evans said: “The applicant has failed to clearly demonstrate the impact the development has on pedestrian safety which in turn fails to help achieve the council’s strategic objective of facilitating and increased levels of walking in the local area.

“In addition, the applicant has failed to locate the bins awaiting collection in a safe and convenient location that does not interfere with the bus operator.

“Finally, the proposals fail to demonstrate that it would not result in unacceptable displaced flood risk to the surrounding area due to its location in flood zone three where the risk of flooding is high.”

Seventa Events managing director Simon Brooks

Seventa Events founder Simon Brooks said it is a “shame” to see the officer’s recommendation, particularly given Summer Skate has “passed through the Lower Gardens Trust, BCP Council events team and the rigorous safety advisory group who all expressed support and excitement for the event”.

Mr Brooks added: “We continue to work closely with BCP Council’s planning department and I am confident that the planning committee will support and approve our application on July 8, so the residents of BCP can enjoy this much anticipated event.”

If approved, Summer Skate would also feature morning yoga and fitness classes led by expert instructors as well as special event nights such as Motown, 80s nights and quiz nights.

Meanwhile, there will be a street food truck parked up with an outdoor seating area, an ‘Airstream Bar’ serving ice-cold drinks and cocktails, barista coffee from Bobby’s Parlour and film nights on a big screen.

Councillors will make a decision on the proposals at a meeting on Monday, July 8.

Summer Skate is one of a number of new events and improvements in Bournemouth town centre taking place this summer.

Palm trees, a fudge bus and a decorated bar are all part of the new Live at the Square in The Square, expected to start in mid-July subject to council agreements around planning.

Two stages will host workshops and live performances within the proposed opening hours of 10am until 11pm throughout the week.

This event will also be decided by councillors July 8 and case officer Steve Davies has recommended it for approval.

Live at the Square’s application was referred to the planning committee because BCP Council is the applicant.