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11 Jan 08Solar Pyramid Proposal
Borough of Poole has been considering the possibility of bringing a significant new tourist attraction to the town.
Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of the Council, today made the following statement concerning the privately-funded Solar Pyramid proposal.
Cllr Leverett, said: "The Council has an absolute duty to look at significant proposals with the potential to benefit Poole's economic well-being, especially those opportunities which have the support of the local business community. I therefore believe the Cabinet was right to give serious consideration to the proposal made by Solar Pyramid Ltd to bring a major tourist attraction to Poole. The assessment work we had proposed to carry out would obviously have included the Solar Pyramid proposal but it was intended to have a wider remit to look at large scale tourist attractions in general.
"However, having listened to the views and concerns expressed by residents and my fellow Councillors, together with the current information available from Solar Pyramid Ltd, it is my opinion that the Council can no longer support this proposal.
"The Council is currently faced with another round of difficult budget decisions following a poor financial settlement from the Government. I have already given a personal assurance that no taxpayers' money will be invested in the delivery of this proposal and at this stage, Solar Pyramid Ltd has not been able to provide the necessary evidence of costs and funding for the Council to proceed with the assessment work with sufficient confidence.
"I will therefore be instructing the Council's Chief Executive to make arrangements to withdraw from discussions with Solar Pyramid Ltd. "At this early stage, the Council has not commissioned any assessment work in relation to this proposal."
The Solar Pyramid concept had the support of both Poole's Tourism and Town Centre Management Boards.
Cllr Leverett said: "The tourism industry is of vital importance to Poole. It supports about 4,800 jobs and generates £200 million for the local economy. Poole has a thriving economy, but it is our vision to see the town realise more of its economic potential. I believe we should investigate whether a major tourist attraction could help achieve this ambition."
Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, said: "I was really pleased that the Council were prepared to consider such an ambitious proposal. It is unfortunate that strong public reaction has made proper evaluation so difficult. I hope that tourism's contribution to Poole's economy and the need to develop the tourism offer is not forgotten."
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