MULTI-MILLIONAIRE entrepreneur Richard Carr has continued his expansion into Poole with the purchase of the landmark Aquarium building on the Quay.

Real-life Monopoly is now the name of the game in Poole as the ancient borough is increasingly seen as the land of opportunity for developers.

This latest high-profile acquisition has fuelled speculation of a battle for the heart and soul of Old Town Poole between local entrepreneurial giants Mr Carr and Peter Mills, chief executive of Quays Group, the new owners of the Dolphin Quays luxury apartment development.

Until recently, Mr Carr's name was mainly synonymous with Bournemouth nightclubs.

But over a short period of time he has acquired quite a spectacular holding in Poole - the Salterns Hotel in Lilliput and the fashionable Oyster Quay bar, just a few doors from the Aquarium, a listed building dating back to 1790.

Mr Carr's Future 3000 now has much more than a mere foot in the door and he has ambitious plans for making his mark.

Of the Aquarium, which has been a "must" attraction for families on holiday for many years, he said: "The idea is for a restaurant/grill on the ground floor, stylish apartments above and homes for key workers in the town at the rear.

"We shall soon be submitting plans to Poole council. The whole concept is to make it enhance the rejuvenation process of the Quay.

"The key factor is that it will be a big improvement and will make a considerable provision for the needs of Poole."

The financial details of the deal are not being disclosed.

The previous owner, Ian Dear, would say only: "We are both satisfied. That means it's a good deal. It's up to the new owner to talk about his intentions."

The Aquarium was built as a warehouse and continued as such until falling into disrepair in the 1960s.

It was sold in 1976, restored and turned into an aquarium. Later, a family restaurant was added on the first floor and a scenic model railway above. All the current tenants are vacating this month.

Deputy leader of Poole council, Cllr Bob Williams, said: "Poole Quay is a vibrant place and we must ensure that any new proposals will enhance its image and provide quality developments for the benefit of local people and the many visitors we welcome to Poole."

Cllr Brian Leverett, who represents Harbour ward on Poole council, said: "The Quay is Poole's unique asset - the key feature that differentiates the town from Bournemouth.

"Therefore it's essential that there is an overall development strategy for the Quay and not for it to be redeveloped incrementally, bit by bit, without a game plan.

"Profit has to be the driving force for developers and I am therefore not against people investing in upgrading the Quay, but it's essential for the council to dictate the character and vision."

The Daily Echo recently revealed that renamed developer Quays Group, with Peter Mills as chief executive, had bought Poole's jewels in the crown from Orb Estates - Dolphin Quays apartments, Quay Thistle Hotel, Poole Pottery Retail, the Quay Yacht Haven and the Old Orchard office block in the High Street.