New landmark for Sandbanks? (From Thisisdorset)

New landmark for Sandbanks?

9:27am Tuesday 5th December 2006

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A SPECTACULAR 100-metre landmark spire is being proposed for Sandbanks, Poole - an attraction to rival Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower.

The iconic £7 million Skywalk Tower is the brainchild of developer Eddie Mitchell of Seven Developments, the man behind the stunning Thunderbird House.

To sit between a pavilion and Banks Road, the tower would have an observation pod, taking passengers up to 39 metres, the equivalent of 12 storeys, for a bird's eye view over the harbour.

Designed by Mr Mitchell and the company's architect Toby Peters, it would stand out above Sandbanks, visible along the coast, from the quay and the sea.

The spire would be supported by two architectural sails and the power required to operate it would be generated by a wind turbine at the top of the tower.

Sitting down below would be an undercover visitors' pavilion featuring two mini spires and a ticket kiosk where rides could be bought.

Mr Mitchell said in the past coastal towns built piers as landmarks and more recently towers and spires have been built in inland towns.

"I feel that Poole should not be left behind in boosting its reputation and it is my view that the borough should be heralded as a leader," he said.

The Borough of Poole recently announced a £1 million revamp at Sandbanks with a stylish beach entrance and new play areas and Mr Mitchell said he supported the long-overdue redevelopment of the area.

"In my view the Skywalk Tower will enhance and reinforce the proposals, providing an unmistakable landmark for Sandbanks and further demonstrating what a superb area Sandbanks is to live, visit and marvel at," he said.

A planning application was submitted to the council on Friday and the proposed land is where the crazy golf is situated.

"We would obviously look with great interest at any new attraction in Poole," said Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership.

But he said there would be concerns about access. "If you look at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth that generates an awful lot of visitors who can be accommodated easily in an underground car park."

Ken Sansom of the Sandbanks Association said: "I'm all for improvements in the area.

"It sounds exciting. It would have to be looked at in detail and we will make our comments to the planning committee."

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