Developers behind Poole Quay Hotel go into liquidation

The former Thistle Hotel along the quay front unexpectedly but unsurprisingly closed earlier this week after months of speculation. 

London-based developer MHA was given planning permission last summer to tear down the 1980s building and replace it with five new buildings. 

Ranging between three to seven storeys, the buildings would comprise a new 146-bedroom hotel, 179 residential flats and two shops. 

Poole Quay Hotel (Image: Daily Echo)

The 179 apartments will comprise 65 one-bed, 104 two-bed, and ten three-bed units. However, the residential project would not accommodate any dedicated car parking. 

The closure of the hotel has left many residents in doubt as to whether their pre-booked venues will be honoured. Some have been in touch to say they have had no communication from MHA at all.

Read more: Poole Quay Hotel closes 'with immediate effect'

Questions have also been raised whether the development will go ahead at all, though. MHA Burleigh Poole (propco) - the firm named on the closed sign outside – is in the process of being struck off.

But that has been suspended, meaning the business has outstanding debts to creditors who are expected to lose what they are owed should MHA Burleigh Poole be dissolved. 

Its director Mohamad Hossein Abedinzadeh has a string of 79 businesses listed on Companies House including MHA Poole Developments and MHA London.

CGI (Image: MHA)

However, the latter, the subsidiary companies’ head office, went into liquidation last July. 

A statement of affairs published on Companies House shows an estimated total deficiency for creditors as being £23.5m. But £18m of this is “intercompany loans”. 

MHA, its director Mr Abedinzadeh and the liquidator has been approached for more details 

It’s understood the site, which was once a coal yard for the transportation ships until the 1970s, could be put on the market. 

A notice on the door said: “With immediate effect, we regret to inform you that Poole Quay Hotel is now closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.” 

Poole Quay Hotel boasted 70 bedrooms, most of which had sea views, as well as two meeting rooms for events and weddings. 

There was also a restaurant and bar open to residents. 

There had been five years of discussions with developers and the council over plans to demolish the hotel and replace it.

Before being a hotel, the site was home to the famous East Quay Gasworks, largely used as a coal depot from transporter ships. 

This lasted until the 1970s until the Thistle Hotel was then built the following decade. 

Previous proposals for 228 flats in four blocks, a 118-bed hotel and multiple commercial units were rejected by BCP Council’s planning committee in 2021.