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Poole Harbour, Dorset
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A 100 metre landmark spire is being planned for one of the world's most expensive seaside resorts, a developer said today.
The £7 million Skywalk Tower would give passengers a bird's eye view of Poole Harbour, Dorset, from an observation pod 39 metres high.
It would sit in the prestigious Sandbanks peninsular of Poole, nicknamed millionaire's row because of the cost of property.
Sandbanks is the fourth most expensive place to live in the world and the UK's most expensive seaside resort per sq ft with the average house price at more than £500,000.
The tower, designed by architect Toby Peters, would be supported by two architectural sails and powered by a wind turbine at the top of the spire.
Visitors would queue for tickets at a kiosk underneath a pavilion, which would feature two mini spires.
They could then ride up the spire in the observation pod to take in the views 39 metres above the ground.
The landmark would be visible along the coast, from Poole Quay and out to sea.
Eddie Mitchell, of Seven Developments, submitted plans for the spire to Poole Borough Council on December 1 and hopes for a decision by around March next year.
The council has already announced a £1 million beachfront makeover at the Sandbanks recreation ground.
Mr Mitchell believes his spire will complement the face-lift and rival Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower, in Hants.
"In times gone by, it was a trend of coastal towns to build piers and landmarks of the area," said Mr Mitchell.
"This evolved quite competitively, particularly between towns rivaling to increase their tourism industry in the case of Blackpool and nearer to home in Bournemouth.
"In more recent years, inland towns and cities have got in on the act and erected towers and spires to amplify their profile.
"I feel that Poole should not be left behind in boosting its reputation and it is my view that the borough should be heralded as a leader."
Mr Mitchell said that Skywalk Tower would enhance the council's redevelopment plans, "providing an unmistakable landmark for Sandbanks and further demonstrating what a superb area Sandbanks is to live, visit and marvel at".
Copyright Press Association 2006
