Eddie Mitchell Sandbanks stadium plans go on show

The stadium would be located on the Sandbanks Peninsula

Designs for a proposed beach-side sports stadium on the Dorset coast have gone on public display.

Property developer and former AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell is to submit plans for a 2,000-seat complex on the Sandbanks Peninsula.

The £7m-10m stadium at the mouth of Poole Harbour would host beach sports and entertainment events.

Mr Mitchell said it would "kick start the development of new public facilities" in Sandbanks.

With a sand-based surface, the stadium would be used to host beach soccer, beach volleyball, concerts and performing arts events.

It would also contain 40 ground-floor beach huts as well as 20 exclusive glass boxes with interior views of the stadium and exterior balconies overlooking Sandbanks.

Money from the leasing of the properties would provide revenue for the stadium and enhance local infrastructure, Mr Mitchell said.

Mr Mitchell said the stadium would replace an existing pavilion and 40 beach huts.

He said the development would replace an existing pavilion and 40 beach huts.

"It stems from being local, building in the area most of my working life and my love for the area," he said.

David Jones, of England Beach Soccer, said he was "excited" at the proposals.

"England needs to improve its facilities for beach soccer, we would certainly support the stadium's creation," he said.

Twenty exclusive glass boxes would offer interior views of the stadium

The plans are going on public show at the Haven Hotel in Sandbanks. A planning application is due to be submitted in August.

Poole Borough Council said it was aware of the proposal but could not comment until formal plans were submitted and considered by the authority's planning committee.

The stadium would host beach sports and entertainment events

Sandbanks is one of the most expensive addresses in the UK, with flats and houses costing an average of nearly £1m, according to property website Zoopla.

Well-known residents include football managers Harry Redknapp and Tony Puliss.