A new community-led vision to retain a hotel on the iconic
Haven Hotel site in Sandbanks.
Sandbanks is at risk of losing a hotel at its magnificent entrance to Poole harbour, to a development of 119 private flats. We believe the local community and visitors alike deserve something better. We need your support today to help fund the professional services required to put forward an alternative plan, including a new hotel with improved public access and facilities for everyone.
Sadly, the only planning application currently submitted would, if approved, see a hotel disappear forever. The historic hotel would be replaced by private flats with no public access to any amenity at this unique location.
As a community, we feel it is time to stop saying "no”, and instead, provide the landowner and council, with an alternative, better, scheme to consider. One that is attractive, credible, viable and retains a hotel on this iconic site. This is why SCG has developed its own, community-led proposal for the harbour entrance site, under name ‘Project Marconi’. But, we need your help today to make this alternative plan a reality.

Illustrations showing the proposed new hotel and associated public spaces.
Project Marconi acknowledges the historical link between the Haven Hotel and its famous resident and scientist Guglielmo Marconi, the ‘father of radio’, who lived and worked here from 1898.
To get Project Marconi off the ground, several local residents and businesses have already made generous contributions, enabling us to instruct world renowned architect Philip Gumuchdjian to produce the alternative plans and 3D model. Philip’s visionary plans include a ground floor public esplanade with access to the beach, a new sea-swimming lido and public walkway, shops, cafes and restaurants. Crowning the proposed hotel is a tower of suites topped by a majestic beacon - lighting the entrance to the harbour. A fitting nod to Marconi and his radio mast which stood in the same location over 130 years ago.
To go to the next stage of submitting a pre-planning application, we need more financial support from residents, businesses and others. This is where you can help by making an immediate donation now by clicking on the ‘Support Us’ button above.

This is a once in a century chance to ensure that Sandbanks retains a hotel for future generations of residents and visitors - one that everyone can be proud of.
Donate today using the ‘Support Us’ button above. You can remain anonymous if you prefer. If we do nothing, we will lose a hotel at the Haven site forever. Please take a moment today to support this alternative plan.
Thank you,
Sandbanks Community Group