FUMING locals who were evicted so their council could build a £2.4million eco-friendly haven say it’s a disaster.
The eco-hub opened on Bournemouth seafront in February last year after 11 beach huts were razed to make way for it.
New figures reveal that the green education centre and cafe made just £144,000 in its first year.
At this rate, it will take the hub 16 years to make up the cost of building it.
Evicted beach hut tenants blasted the hub after its measly turnover was revealed.
Samantha Murphy claimed she was given nowhere else to go when her hut was knocked down.
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She said: “We lost our beach hut for this.”
The hub had a bumpy start when officials scrapped the cafe’s vegan menu and brought in crowd-pleasing meat dishes.
Conference rooms were built to “educate about waste” – but they have not been booked a single time since opening.
Other locals accused the council of wasting their money at a time when children’s services are being cut and potholes go unrepaired.
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Stephanie Rowse said: “Why do councils take it upon themselves to spend vast amounts of money that benefits no one?”
Maurice Sanger said: “It’s an absolute waste of our money.”
The hub is built from recycled materials and boasts solar panels and a living roof.
Another purpose of the hub is to store some of the 2,000 tonnes of waste council litter-pickers collect on the seafront each year.
In its first year, the hub has held 46 tonnes of contaminated sand and 52.8 tonnes of general waste.
Deputy council leader Millie Earl said: “The long-term aim for the hub remains to develop into an education space for residents, visitors, schools and families.
“The space aims to drive a step change in behaviour and build environmental guardianship of our coastline.
“This aim must be sustainable over the long-term and needs to be cost-effective for the council at this uncertain time.
“It is vital to prioritise spending on the most vulnerable in our community.”
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Councillor Earl said the £2.4million hub was funded by a government grant – and the council is working on “efficient use of room space.”
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been contacted for further comment.
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Harry Goodwin
