THE roof of a Bournemouth shopping centre could be used for new short-term retail uses if new plans are approved.

Avenue Shopping Centre owners Verve Properties and Sandstone Ltd have submitted plans which, if approved, would give it flexible permission to use the space in the future.

It said the move would help make the precinct a “focal point” in the town centre.

“The applicants are proactively seeking to provide a flexible and responsive shopping centre to encourage new forms of retail formats,” a statement submitted to BCP Council says.

“This will enable the owners to respond to new creators, retailers and leisure uses to enable temporary or meanwhile uses at roof level that may have a more community, social or creative function without the need to commit to long-term tenancies.”

It adds that the space could be hired for private parties or pop-up exhibitions.

“This, alongside the already permitted proposals for interactive screening of local and national events, will encourage the Avenue centre to become a significant point of interest for local people, tourists and businesses in Bournemouth,” the statement says.

The application seeks permission for “flexible use” of the roof for retail; restaurant and café; drinking establishment; and exhibition uses.

It will be considered by the council in the coming weeks.

Last year, plans to install a living wall on its Commercial Road front were approved and its owners have also been given the go-ahead for a seven-metre TV screen to be put in place.

It said this could be used to broadcast national events as well as local ones such as the air festival.

Speaking in 2018, Verve director Ashley Nicholson said the company had long-term ambitions for the centre.

“Our skills are all about place making,” he said. “Many landowners tend to prioritise short-term returns over what a place is like in which to work, live, visit or shop. We try to get the ‘feel’ bit right and take a longer view than most.