Rockwater Poole expansion gets green light

Plans to expand Hove’s Rockwater beachside lifestyle hub concept to Branksome Chine have got the go-ahead from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

The Rockwater village at Branksome Chine will replace the former Branksome Chine Beach Shop. The project is set to be completed by the summer and will feature a restaurant and a retractable roof.

Some £12.5m is being invested across two sites in Branksome Chine and Sandbanks, led by Rockwater founder Luke Davis, who set up the original Rockwater in Hove in 2020 and is also founder of private equity firm IW Capital.

Final approval for the Sandbanks site is pending but pre-commencement conditions have been agreed.

Davis said: “This is a passion project and our vision is to create a hub at the heart of the local community to be enjoyed by all, whilst also regenerating a seaside space that lives in harmony with the local surroundings.

“Rockwater in Branksome Chine will be a destination for lifestyle and wellness with our upstairs venue with a retractable roof offering a family restaurant, entertainment and featuring comedy and music. Decking on the beach will provide a venue for community groups to use for free, encouraging such activities as yoga, poetry, chess and crafts.”