BIC finally to open to the public

The Labour Party conference has already been booked for 2007

A major entertainment venue was due to be opened to the public following a controversial £22m redevelopment.

Tuesday was to see the doors reopen on the Bournemouth International Centre which closed for a revamp last summer.

The work, which finished earlier this month, caused controversy by closing the centre's popular pool to make way for more conference space.

The Dorset town venue now boasts a new fourth hall and upgraded bars, box office and foyer.

The centre's bosses say an independent study found that the redevelopment would create 1,302 extra jobs and bring an additional £21m a year to the town.

The Labour Party conference has already confirmed its booking for 2007, which is said to be worth up to £15m.