PLANS to redevelop the Thistle Hotel site on Poole Quay have been formally submitted.

Dubbing it “Fisherman’s Dock”, MHA London first unveiled its scheme in May but has now lodged finalised plans with BCP Council.

It said its plans, which include a new 118-bed “boutique” hotel with top floor restaurant and 228 flats” would be “transformational” for the Quay area.

The Thistle Hotel site, including the car park to the north and derelict land to the east, is allocated in the Poole Local Plan for housing and a new hotel.

Before that, the “underutilised” land was the subject of four failed planning applications in 2004, 2008 and 2009.

In May, MHA began consulting on its proposals for the site, saying its aim was to “raise the standard” of hotel accommodation in Poole and that “a number of operators” had already expressed an interest in running it.

Following the completion of its consultation over the summer, the developer has now submitted its planning application to BCP Council.

Its finalised plans would see a 118-bed hotel with top floor restaurant, 228 flats, 270 parking spaces and Quay-fronting commercial space built.

It has reduced the height of the tallest building by one storey to address concerns raised.

“Fisherman’s Dock is a key location on The Quay, a local landmark for Poole and one that deserves a design of exceptional quality,” MHA head of development Andi Kercini said.

“It was only right, therefore, that we took our time to finalise our proposals, engaging the local community, discussing our ideas and listening to feedback.

“We’re delighted by the response. Despite the restrictions imposed on us by the pandemic, we’ve had lots of great conversations and our final plans are all the better for that.

“The proposals we have submitted will transform this site into a prime destination. A new boutique hotel, apartments with great views across the harbour and a thriving cultural and commercial space will all contribute to a spectacular regeneration for Poole.”

The application will be considered by council planning officers in the coming months.