Traders unsure of complex impact (From Thisisdorset)

Traders unsure of complex impact

9:25am Tuesday 5th December 2006 in News By Fiona Pendlebury

TRADERS in Westover Road have expressed mixed feelings about the proposed multi -million -pound iconic leisure complex to overlook Bournemouth Gardens.

The £50 million complex earmarked for the former bus station site in Exeter Road, Bournemouth, is set to feature a nine-screen multiplex cinema and 17 restaurants but no night-clubs or bars.

However it has led to fears that the Odeon and ABC cinemas in Westover Road may close down when the new cinema opens, possibly hitting trade.

Lisa Mitchell, manager of Mappin & Webb jewellers in Westover Road, said: "I think it will be quite nice. If it's really close to the town centre that's a good thing.

"I think it would be a shame for the cinemas to shut because they are a strong part of this particular road. But it won't be detrimental to trade because we are quite specialised."

Kelly Whitmarsh, manager of outsize menswear shop High & Mighty, welcomed the idea of a complex but said more needed to be done to make Westover Road more attractive to shoppers.

She said: "I personally think it's a good idea. This specific road is mainly retail anyway.

"It's only people that know what shops are along here who come here.

"To be honest I wouldn't think it will have an effect. But there should be more promotion of this road."

John Hunt, manager of Russell & Bromley said: "If the cinemas close along here I think it would lessen the footfall a bit down this particular street.

"I personally would like to see more high quality shops moving into the street. It's a nice Victorian street and the quality of it hasn't been kept.

"But if the complex makes more people come into town then I welcome it."