The existing building will be demolished later this year

A full council meeting of Bournemouth Borough Council backed proposals to turn the Winter Gardens site into an entertainment and education centre.

Seven arts industry partners have confirmed they will join the project.

The existing building is due to be demolished later this year and designs for the centre's development will now be commissioned.

'Superb cultural facility'

In the meantime, a car park will be made available on the site, subject to planning approval, during the summer.

Schemes to provide land for student accommodation, housing and parking will pay for the development.

Councillor Angela Manton, who is overseeing the project, said, "Our aim is to have a superb cultural and educational facility in the towns."

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Dance South West, City Screen cinemas, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth Arts Institute and Bournemouth and Poole College have all agreed to run concerts, courses and classes at the centre.