For those that did not see the old Boscombe Pier I have added one that shows the previous building that was at the end of the pier.
Personally I think they should have used the money wasted on the disastrous and embarrassing so-called reef and made the Pier into fantastic facility as well as giving the Promenade and bit more pizazz. To be fair, that area is now a place that people do flock to, and even the Harvester bar is not some run down hovel as it too has to compete and live up to expectations of those that have traveled miles.
Southbourne itself is getting better but it could do with another nice bar and some proper restaurants. There are enough cafes and coffee shops at the moment, but something further up the sophistication ladder would be really nice.