A cliff-side villa built for Harriet Samuel, the creator of H.Samuel in the 19th century, is set to be redeveloped into retirement flats if plans submitted to Bournemouth Council are approved.
The building has had a chequered history since it was built 130 years ago. It was converted into a hotel that closed in 2002 and has been derelict ever since.
In 2012 it was ravaged by a fire, and has stood empty and unloved ever since. Local residents are desperate for what they call an eyesore to be redeveloped.
Sarah Hordern of the Gervis Meyrick Estate, which owns the building and submitted plans for its redevelopment, told local newspaper the Bournenouth Echo that the badly fire-damaged and vandalised building is a local eyesore.
The plan is to create retirement flats sitting within a revitalised cliff-side area next to Boscombe Chine Gardens.
“We believe the redevelopment will significantly enhance the area and we look forward to meeting with local residents to discuss their comments and feedback,” Ms Hordern told the Echo.
