The who’s who of Ali Sultan’s major development company Sultan Holdings Pty Ltd

The company at the centre of a Supreme Court will dispute has been responsible for building some of the state’s most recognisable developments, including an $80 million project still in the works. SEE THE LIST OF HIGH-PROFILE DIRECTORS >>

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THE vision for Ali Sultan’s “jewel in the crown” project at Montpelier Retreat is still alive, with an application currently being considered by council, the Mercury can reveal.

An application was lodged with the Hobart City Council for the site on April 7 for “demolition and new buildings for residential accommodation, visitor accommodation, eating establishments, offices, and shops.”

It is still being assessed by council staff ahead of any public advertisement of the application for public comment.

In 2018, the Full Court declared the 2015 permit the council issued Sultan Holdings to build apartments, offices and shops on Montpelier Retreat location as invalid.

The decision, which came after a lengthy legal battle between the company and the neighbouring John Fuglsang Developments Pty Ltd, gave the $80 million proposal another chance for approval.

The bid to build the development could not proceed until the Full Court decision because Sultan Holdings wanted to excavate so much rock for an underground carpark as part of that application that it was classified as a quarry.

Because of that, the development would need special approval from the Environment Protection Authority.

Sultan Holdings Pty Ltd has been responsible for building some of the state’s most recognisable developments including the Wellington Centre and Wellington Clinics and the $3.5 million Savoy Hotel and Baths complex, which was built in 2001.

Since 2001, Sultan Holdings has also developed the Market Place Car Park, residential shops, a car park and valet service at Hobart International Airport, the Vodafone building on Bathurst, Moonah Central Shopping Centre and University Student Housing, Hotel on Collins and a 78 room hotel at Hobart International Airport.

Sultan Holdings’ property portfolio has included car parks at Montpelier Retreat, Bathurst St and Market Place, the Elizabeth St Commonwealth Bank of Australia building, and the Mantra Hotel.

SULTAN HOLDINGS: WHO’S WHO?

Ali Sultan, died at 73, former sole company director.

Hobart's Ali Sultan in his offices on the top floor of the Commonwealth Bank building in Liverpool St.

Mr Sultan came to Australia from Lebanon in 1969 with $200 in his pocket before moving to Hobart in 1972 with his wife Christine Sultan.

He owned a Claremont milk bar, then a steel yard, then a string of fruit wholesaling and supermarket businesses, before eventually moving onto larger accommodation and carpark developments.

Ali passed away as a result of a heart attack while bushwalking at kunanyi/Mt Wellington with tributes flowing during and after his public memorial service at Wrest Point Casino.

Moe had described his father at the wake as “Hobart’s greatest champion”.

Local media personality David Noonan said Ali had an “incredible sense of humour”.

Premier Peter Gutwein and former Premier Lara Giddings shared they had both been inspired by Mr Sultan’s journey from humble beginnings to become a “visionary” and successful businessman.

Moe Sultan, 40, is Ali’s eldest surviving son.

Moe Sultan during the eulogy for his father Ali Sultan at the memorial service held at Wrest Point. Picture: Zak Simmonds

He is an investor and developer.

He says he is challenging his late father’s will “on behalf of his family in order to preserve and protect his father’s legacy.”

Moe says he and his extended family are united in supporting the action which he is taking.

Saleh Sultan, 32, is Ali’s youngest son.

Saleh Sultan brother of Moe arrives at court. Sultan case at the supreme court in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Saleh works in the family business and is named as the primary beneficiary of the latest will and is one of the six trustees.

Moe Sultan’s legal action did not allege any wrongdoing by Saleh.

Saleh became a director at Sultan Holdings earlier this year.

Aziz Gregory Melick, Sultan Holdings director.

Aziz Gregory Melick. Sultan case at the supreme court in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Also known as Greg Melick AO SC, the company director has been RSL National President since May 30 2019 following an esteemed Army Reserve career, including becoming Major General in 2007.

He was admitted to the bar on February 3 1975 having been a Crown Prosecutor in the 1980s, a special investigator into corruption within Cricket in 2000, and Chief Commissioner for the Integrity Commission Tasmania since 2015.

Mr Melick also founded Pressing Matters Vineyard having judged wine varietals internationally.

Ian Alfred Charles Creese, Sultan Holdings director.

Ian Creese of Hobart.

Mr Creese is the operations manager at Sultan Holdings.

He was previously an operations manager at Mali Property Group.

Mr Creese is a lawyer.

Mark Saltzman, Sultan Holdings director.

Mr Saltzman is a partner at Lowe Lippmann chartered accountants in Victoria and has done accounting work for Sultan Holdings since 2012.

Damian Egan, Sultan Holdings director.

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Mr Egan has been with Murdoch Clarke lawyers since 1985.

He is now a senior partner with the firm.

Areas he has dealt with include sale and purchase of businesses corporations law, taxes, mortgages, leasing and conveyancing.

Timothy Stuart Lucas, Sultan Holdings director.

Mr Lucas is the project development manager for Sultan Holdings.