Bournemouth Beach Is Getting A Zip-Wire

23 November 2013, 09:16 | Updated: 23 November 2013, 09:20

A zip-wire from Bournemouth Pier to the town's beach has been approved as part of a project to spruce up the seafront.

The attraction will include a 20m (65ft) tower for the top of the wire and a landing structure at the bottom.

The Bournemouth Civic Society had objected to the plans over concerns about it being inappropriate for the pier and unsafe in high winds. However, Bournemouth borough councillors approved the plans as part of its 20-year Seafront Strategy.

The three-legged tower will be situated at the end of the pier and will have a spiral staircase to the top. The zip-wire down to the east side of the pier will be about 245m (800 ft) long.

The council also approved plans for a surf wave attraction underneath the wire.

Responding the civic society's concerns, councillors said the location was appropriate for "leisure development" and that the zip-wire "would not be in use at times of adverse weather".

The Seafront Strategy involves 90 ways of regenerating the area from Alum Chine to Southbourne over the next 20 years.

Bournemouth Borough Council is investing £90m into the project and is looking for private investors.