Openwide International has signed a 25-year partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council to manage and regenerate Bournemouth Pier.

The tourism & resort regeneration company plans to build an attraction at the end of the pier, as well as introduce a new show that combines the Ibiza Mardi Gras with Cromer-style summer festivities.

Restaurants, bars and retailing facilities will also be built or upgraded.

Managing director of Openwide, Steve Cutbush, said: “We look forward to bringing our experience of developing tourism and resorts on the Mediterranean to the UK.

“We believe that the British seaside has the potential to boom again, so we are putting out money where our mouths are to help lead the way.”

Jon Weaver, marketing and events manager at Bournemouth Tourism, added: “The reinvestment in Bournemouth Pier, theatre and facilities will provide residents and the 5.2 million visitors to Bournemouth each year with an upmarket, stylish offering.”