THIS is what Bournemouth would look like if the waters were to rise - what could happen if the process was managed and planned for.

Tim O'Rourke says of his project, Unrealised Potential: "Flooding the gardens to form a new marina gives Bournemouth the opportunity to revitalise itself, bringing something to the UK no other place can offer."

His vision also includes a lively quayside near the Camera Obscura, with waves lapping The Square.

He says Bournemouth's famous bandstand could be saved by being moved to the Upper Gardens, bringing new life to a pleasant but relatively quiet area.

The imaginary scheme is included in an exhibition titled Architecture on the Sea at Swanage Heritage Centre, as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week.

Exhibition organisers Morgan Carey Architects at Lytchett Matravers have included displays of the Olympics scheme at Weymouth, the relocation of Clavell Tower, proposals for Durlston Castle and Poole bridge.

Architect Mark Carey said: "The exhibition features projects both built on, and conceived for, our unique Dorset coastline, with exhibits ranging from Lyme Regis to Christchurch.

"There have been many excellent project designs with links to the sea which have not been realised yet and some which have - although still worthy of an exhibition and discussion. We organised the exhibition to showcase some of these projects."

The exhibition is on September 10-18, at 10am-5pm and for information on Dorset Architectural Heritage Week click here

First published: September 3, 2005