SCRAPPED: The solar pyramid proposal for Poole

THE plug may have been pulled on the Solar Pyramid but Poole is still open to the idea of a significant tourist attraction to help boost its economy.

The debacle over the world class timepiece visitor attraction, which residents of Harbourside Park (Baiter) did not want on their doorsteps, has led the Borough of Poole to consider what else may be suitable.

Councillors, business people, tourism panel and town centre management representatives will be invited to a workshop in June.

"Members are anxious to have as much public involvement as possible," said Cllr Ron Parker, cabinet portfolio holder the local economy.

"We'll have a brain storming session with ideas and then see where we go from there," he said.

Tourism manager Graham Richardson said: "It's a session where we want people to come with their thoughts and ideas suitable and relevant for Poole.

"Then we can go out and try and encourage it or if something came along like the Solar Pyramid we can give officers the confidence to go with it or explore further."

He said there was no shopping list and they wanted to consider whether they should be trying to encourage a big attraction to the town centre or, for example, historical vessels to the quay.

"It is uncertain times with the credit situation affecting the country's economy. We want to support local business, tourism, the town centre and achieve the best way forward," he said.

A budget of £25,000 is available to explore potential tourist attractions and there would be future public consultation, he added.

The massive sundial proposal from a private company, which could have brought 400,000 visitors to the town and a £20m boost to the economy, was scrapped by the council, mainly due to residents' opposition.

David Howard, chairman of Parkstone Bay Association, said: "It might be a good idea this time to invite residents to such a meeting and avoid the fiasco of the pyramid.

"Let's have some real consultation for a change and not just a cabinet decision," he added.

7:05pm Friday 9th May 2008

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