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News

New Gateway To Britain's Best Beach

A stunning new entrance has been created to Britain’s best beach thanks to £95,000 investment in new lighting, seating and planted areas.

Together with extended outdoor bistro facilities opened by the Sandbanks Hotel , Shore Road access to Sandbanks has been transformed to create a softer and more welcoming entrance to the beach, improving the appearance and vitality of the area. 

Poor paving, bollards, ugly beach gates and other clutter has been removed and replaced with a design inspired by the natural curves and colours found in the sand, water and sea shells.  The design includes long curved double sided benches constructed with “Blanc de Bierges” sett’s, a light sunny buff material, that turns to a warm ochre colour on wet days, like the sand.

Blue LED (light emitting diode) lights incorporated into the sides of the benches have been used to enhance the area at night and compliment the lighting along the promenade.  Alfresco eating areas either side of the entrance have been surfaced in an attractive bonded gravel that mirrors the colours of pebbles on the beach and new planting has been added to give colour and contrast.

Designed and constructed by the Borough of Poole, the improvements have been funded by local development planning contributions (section 106 agreement) and FJB Hotels .

John Butterworth, Managing Director of FJB Hotels , said: “The improvements have meant we’ve been able to add to the recently refurbished Sands Brasserie with this fantastic new outdoor eating area.  It’s a great addition which means that anyone wanting to relax with a coffee or have something to eat whilst soaking up the atmosphere of the beach has more choice and quality dining in an unbeatable location.”

Cllr Don Collier, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: “The area was looking really tired and didn’t show Britain’s best beach off to its full potential.  Now thanks to the contributions of FJB Hotels and the work of the Council, this entrance has been transformed, creating a lively, vibrant and modern public space with new lighting, planted areas and seating that encourages people to stay, relax and enjoy the space.  It  compliments all the work we are doing to improve the beach and I have to congratulate everyone involved - it looks fabulous.” 

Michelle Holland, Deputy Tourism Manager, tel: 01202 262538