A HOTEL is “the most likely option” for the future redevelopment of an “unloved” building on the Bournemouth seafront.

Next week BCP Council’s cabinet will consider plans for a legal agreement with Meyrick Estate, which owns the Happyland site, as the first step in its redevelopment.

Speaking at a meeting on Monday, the portfolio holder for regeneration, councillor Mark Howell, said the most likely option for the site was the construction of a hotel.

The council is responsible for the site on a 999-year lease from the estate with its backing required for any scheme.

A report published ahead of Monday’s cabinet meeting recommends a new ‘special purpose vehicle’ be established to enable plans for the building to be progressed.

“Previous developments elsewhere in the land covered by the 1903 lease have been promoted by the council with the freeholder’s consent sought for subletting,” it says.

“However, the Meyrick Estate has indicated a desire to take a more active role in development on its freehold land.”

It recommends that the new body grants the council a 150-year lease ahead of the redevelopment of the building.

Last year the two organisations sought the submission of concept plans for the future of the arcade, putting forward their own idea for a hotel.

Speaking at Monday’s scrutiny board meeting where the report was considered, Cllr Howell said: “A hotel is believed to be the most likely option for the site.

“But this is very early stages and there’s nothing that restricts it to a hotel.”

The report will be considered by cabinet members on Monday.

Any future plan for the redevelopment of the building would have to be approved by the council separately.