Poole Quay development revised plans unveiled

Description:

Plans for a multi-million pound major quayside development of more than 150 homes, a four-star hotel, plus shops and restaurants, have been unveiled in Poole.

It is the second time developers Patch Properties have put forward plans for the site of the Quay Thistle Hotel and former East Quay Depot after paying £19m for it in 2006.

The original scheme – which included 260 flats and a seven- storey hotel – was withdrawn in September after Poole planning officers listed 18 reasons in recommending it for refusal.

After a complete redesign the new plans went on display in Poole’s Dolphin Centre yesterday – ahead of a planning application in May.

The majority of flats, most of which would have sea views, would be in six-storey blocks fronting the Quay, with shops and restaurants at ground level.

Behind them would be a five-storey block, and to the rear 12 three-storey town houses with gardens. Buildings would be divided by green courtyards, including a public space, as well as access routes between the Quay and Ballard Road and East Quay Road. A “community building”, perhaps with links to the RNLI  is also a possibility.

Underground parking would provide 280 parking spaces The 150-bed hotel on the east end of the site would include a conference centre and restaurant and lounge at quay level. This would be the first phase of the project – with the demolition of the Quay Thistle and the residential development only going ahead when the economic climate improves.

Alex Chapman, of planning specialists Terence O’Rourke, who are working on the scheme, said: “It’s going to be a vibrant mixed-use scheme. The Quay Thistle is sitting there at the moment not contributing anything to the town. This development will bring activity to the frontage of the quay all the way around, with the hotel on the corner of the site acting as a gateway for residents and visitors coming from Baiter Park.”