BIC to officially open its doors

The Labour Party conference has already been booked for 2007

A major entertainment venue is opening to the public following a controversial £22m redevelopment.

Bournemouth International Centre, which closed for a revamp last summer, will be officially opened by the town's mayor at ceremony on Monday.

Councillor Ted Taylor will reveal the refurbished BIC to around 200 delegates from organisations across the town.

The work has 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.

A number of events have already taken place including the Little Britain show and Bournemouth University's graduation ceremonies.

The Labour Party conference has also confirmed its booking for 2007, which is said to be worth up to £15m, and other bookings reach as far as 2014.