Winton’s old Fire Station, located on Wimborne Road, has now begun development to turn the iconic Bournemouth building into eight ‘New York loft-style’ flats and a retail unit.
The proposed plan was approved in July after a number of different plans had been either rejected or withdrawn. The most recent withdrawal came in November 2017, after permission was granted by the council planning board to convert the building into six flats and a restaurant.
Since it was built in the 1920’s, the local landmark was used as a Fire Station until 1960, when it then began to be used primarily for storage and public toilets.
However in recent years the building has became desolate and decayed. The redevelopment by Westbourne Holdings Ltd aims to restore the building to it’s former glory, keeping as much of it’s character as possible, whilst offering new stylish living conditions.
Mr Graham Golder, Director of Westboure Holdings Ltd called the old Fire Station a “stunning building” and said it was “sad seeing it just lying there”.
He added that the project was nothing more than a “labour of love”.
The development has been met with mixed views from local residents. However, Councillor Patrick Oakley of Winton East said: “The frontage of the Fire Station is clearly important as is the need for more housing in Bournemouth.
This development combines the best of both without compromising the integrity of the building frontage.”
Building work is expected to be completed by late May 2019.
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