DEVELOPERS hoping to build a 173-bedroom hotel, 120 flats and a seven-storey office block in Bournemouth town centre are attempting to keep their plans on track.

The ambitious £50million scheme was awarded planning permission in 2009 but building work has yet to start. Now developers Grosvenor Developments are applying to extend this to give them more time to get it off the ground.

The plans would see the existing Richmond Gardens multi-storey car park and shopping arcade surrounded with a 173-bed hotel, offices and 120 apartments. A new deck would be added to the top of the existing car park and underground car parking would be provided for the flats.

The request to renew the time limit has been formally submitted to planners.