A MILLION-pound plan to put an ultra modern face on Poole's museum has received widespread approval.

Historical and heritage societies, residents and local businesses have backed proposals for a design by award-winning architect Richard Horden.

This would see the 1960s High Street entrance to the Waterfront Museum demolished and replaced with a three-storey glass box, outlined with a steel frame reflecting the shape of the warehouse behind.

The £1.1 million plan would rely on a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of just under £1m, £100,000 from the council's project fund and the same amount needing to be fund-raised.

The architect, who was responsible for the Study Gallery and other award-winning designs, said: "This will have a dramatic effect on the view of the High Street and from the Quay."

With only £170,000 budgeted for the entrance - and £500,000 for refurbishment of the museum building - he described it as "a very difficult challenge".

It would have a Purbeck stone entrance 1ft 6ins below pavement level, three-storey greenhouse with room to hang exhibits and roof terrace with views over the harbour.

The tourist office, currently sharing the entrance, will move out, and the Victorian Oakley's Mill, bolted on to the 14th-century Town Cellars, would be opened up.

"It is moving the museum forward in a very positive and very constructive way," said Clive Fisher, museum development manager. "The museum will be radically different," said Claire Chidley, head of culture. "It is a wonderful architectural building and you don't get to see that."

Douglas Cook, representing the Society of Poole Men, welcomed the plans, saying: "It will sit there very nicely in the 21st century."

Mark Heffer, who owns the nearby Custom House said: "The Quay is quite a dead area. Opening it up and creating interest is good for businesses on the Quay."

The lottery bid will be submitted by Christmas and work could start after next summer.

An exhibition of the plans is due to take place at the Waterfront Museum in early December.