Next week could be crunch time for Quay

No work has been carried out on the quayside apartments and retail complex since workers were ordered off the site by contractor Taylor Woodrow on June 10.

The subsequent collapse of a number of Orb Estates' development companies associated with the project has cast a cloud over the project's future.

And Poole has been left with a building site in a prominent location for the tourist season - it had been hoped the complex would have been completed in time for the summer.

But workers may be set to resume work soon following negotiations between the administrative receivers of the project Pricewater-houseCoopers and builders Taylor Woodrow.

Both sides are locked into discussions and the Echo believes a settlement could be announced as early as the middle of next week.

Borough of Poole policy director Alan Barlow is being kept abreast of the situation and is due to have a face-to-face meeting with a PricewaterhouseCoopers representative next Wednesday.

Although the council has no input into the negotiations Mr Barlow said: "We are being kept informed. I've seen the administrative receiver twice already.

"We are protecting the council's interests, such as outstanding business rates and planning agreements."

He added: "We are keeping an eye on what is happening.

"I understand the receivers want Taylor Woodrow to complete the building and come to some final agreement for payment."

Taylor Woodrow pulled 250 construction workers off the job - which began two years ago - following a cash dispute with the developers Poole Developments Ltd (PDL).

Within days PDL and sister company Dolphin Quay Developments went into receivership, and earlier this month parent company Orb Estates plc itself went into administration.

Louise Ellis, spokeswoman for Taylor Woodrow, said: "We are in discussions with the receivers but no decision has been reached yet."

PricewaterhouseCoopers declined to comment.