Bournemouth Borough Council is considering proposals to build a Regional Dance Centre at Bournemouth Pavilion.

The dance venue – to be led by Dance South West – would be located on the ground floor of the building. It would comprise a 300-seat venue of dance studios to provide courses, classes and professional development.

According to the plans, the centre would attract around 80,000 people each year and become a venue for international dance festivals.

Leader of the council, Stephen MacLoughlin, said: “The plans for a Regional Dance Centre are incredibly exciting. It would be the first of its type anywhere in southern England.

“Given the interest in dance locally and the popularity of TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing, an attraction like this could be very successful in Bournemouth and fits in well with our priority to provide family friendly attractions and arts provision.

“But there will be a hefty cost implication and we’re looking closely at the figures to work out how much trade the restored Pavilion will realistically generate if we run it in-house and what we can safely afford to do within our budget constraints.”

Meanwhile, the listed 1920s Pavilion building is undergoing a £13m restoration by the Trevor Osborne Property Group to establish a £46m leisure complex on the seafront.

Current plans, subject to planning approval, include a day spa facility and a casino.