A HOTELIER has accused the landlords of a derelict building in Bournemouth of putting lives at risk after years of stalling on redevelopment plans.

Mamad Kashani-Akhaven, managing director of Goldline Finance who run the Orchid Hotel and have own lease for the former Woodcroft Hotel, claims the fire at the latter earlier this month was a “strong warning” that action is needed.

He said the firm is spending several thousands of pounds a month on site security and maintenance.

As reported by the Daily Echo, 50 firefighters tackled a blaze at the derelict building on Gervis Road, with reports of squatters in the building at the time of the fire.

Goldline Finance took over the lease for the building and the Orchid Hotel opposite from the previous owners, who were in receivership, back in 2014.

The Orchid Hotel has undergone a major revamp, which Mr Kashani-Akhavan says cost around £4m, bringing it to a four star standard.

He had hoped to do the same at the Woodcroft Hotel, however he has faced difficulties negotiating any form of development with landlords Meyrick Estate.

In a statement Mr Kashani-Akhavan said: “It’s about time that the people and authorities of Bournemouth ask George Meyrick of Meyrick Estate why they have blocked our plan to refurbish Woodcroft.

“We have submitted plans to turn Woodcroft into a four star hotel similar to to our other hotel in Bournemouth.

“However, after submitting all required documents – without giving us any valid reason – they have rejected them.

“As a result, instead of having a luxurious four star hotel serving guests and creating employment, the hotel is still left unmodernised for more than four years.

“We are spending thousands of pounds on security and maintenance every month.

“However, it’s becoming impossible to stop a determined army of homeless and drug addicts from breaking into an empty building.

“They are putting their own safety and the safety of others at risk. The fire was a strong warning that urgent action is needed.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Mr Kashani-Akhavan said it was a frustrating situation after successfully redeveloping the Orchid Hotel.

He claimed that the financial success of his company’s venture in Bournemouth is being limited due to an inability to use the Woodcroft building, which is larger than the Orchid.

He said: “I bought these two hotels from receivers and I can’t understand what Meyrick’s issue is. The hotel sitting there is no good for anyone and it is putting lives in danger.

“The fire has been a big warning and god forbid someone dies over there. It would be a tragedy for everyone. We are happy to refurbish it and it will work well.

“There are benefits for us as a business, for the town of Bournemouth, for everyone.”

In response, Meyrick Estate said: “We cannot discuss the detail of this matter as it is now in the hands of our solicitors.

"However, what we can say is that at the heart of every agreement that the Estate strikes with a Bournemouth hotelier is that the hotelier agrees to keep their hotel in good condition.

"Sadly, this does not always happen."