Plans for arts and wellness centre in Bournemouth take shape

A former amusement arcade in Bournemouth will be turned into a new centre for art, food and wellness under plans unveiled this week.

The proposals for the Art Deco 'Happyland' building, which originally opened as a bathing station in 1939, have been put forward by Bournemouth-born artist Stuart Semple and architect Madeleine Kessler.

Semple, who in 2021 launched the 15,000 square foot artist-led gallery, Giant, in the town, intends to create two ground-floor art gallery spaces, a first-floor health and wellness centre, and a roof-top restaurant and bar.

Partners for the project include The Meyrick Estate – which already has two wellness retreats in The New Forest and Anglesea – and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. 

Semple said: "Happyland is at its heart a beautiful building, but the beauty is hidden in plain sight. I love the idea of bringing it back to life, repurposing it and giving it a new use for the people of Bournemouth and our visitors.

"It’s incredible how the town has embraced art, and for Giant to be expanding into another space where we can take the art to more people is wonderful."