**Should Southport build the 'Tower of Hope' on Lord Street?**

FOR a few weeks we have heard roomers about plans to build one of the tallest buildings outside of London in Southport, and this week it was confirmed. Yes the owners of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group hit the UK headlines for its proposed 48 story skyscraper on the North East end of historic Lord Street, within a former Cinema building, that had been converted into a Casino. If the plans are granted, for the Grand Casino site, it will see the redevelopment of the Grade 2 listed building into a landmark that will be seen for miles around. The building, called:- 'Tower of Hope' would house a hotel, residential apartments and a restaurant. This announcement, if true, has raised serious concerns over keeping the Town's Victorian looks, that influenced the redevelopment of Paris... Could this become Southport's Eiffel Tower, and give Southport a Blackpool Tower? Do you think it is even possible to build a structure like this on what is sand and gravel deposits?

Andrew Mikhail, Chairman of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, explained in a press release that his idea for the ambitious plan arose and how Andrew came up with the name:- 'Tower of Hope.' Andrew said:- "I understand if we all get this off the ground it will be the single biggest project that will have come to Southport since anyone can remember. New York City started with a single brick once upon a time as did London and every major City and town, we need to cherish our past and we should be building our own future so other generations can bask in our glory rather keep talking and referring to our past continuously. A great philosopher 1 said:- 'The secret of change is to focus all your energy on not fighting the old but on building the new. In the early part of 2021 I, like many others, contracted Covid19, causing me to spend over 4 months in intensive care, not expecting to survive. I was 1 of the lucky ones who did survive, thanks to the hope and faith of those closest to me including my family, friends and the incredible nurses and doctors. Their support was relentless, refusing to give up on me. Hope and sheer determination got me through and has given me a second chance at life, for which I am sincerely grateful. The Tower of Hope will be built as a symbol for every single member of the NHS that helped the country stay on its feet and those that have tragically died and families that have sadly lost loved ones in this shocking Pandemic where so many people and businesses have been at the point in life where the only thing left for them is hope and prayers. I want this to be a true sign that we shouldn't give up and that better things will come, I hope that people will look up, see the Tower of Hope and realise, that anything is possible. Sometimes taking a few steps back, will actually move you ahead much further and faster. It allows you to reassess, clear your mind, and catch your breath for the big plans about to unfold for you. The plans for this landmark building incorporating The Grand Casino will connect the past, present and future of Southport together. My aim is to build phase 1 and the hotel then any profits proceeding the sales of apartments will ALL go to a charity or charities of the local people's choice."

What do you think of this plan, which has been suggested by the firm run by Andrew Mikhaill, who is also the owner of Bold Hotel, and 2 other Lord Street businesses? Email us via:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com, or join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Plans and further details about the project will be available to view at an event at The Bold Hotel on a date to be announced soon.

Travelodge launches its 2022 nationwide recruitment drive with 10 positions to fill in Liverpool

THE UK's 1st budget hotel chain, Travelodge, have launched its 2022 recruitment drive, and is looking to fill 600 positions across its 582 UK hotels including 10 positions in its 8 properties in Liverpool. Travelodge is 1 of the UK's largest and most iconic hotel chains and is still continuing to grow at pace. The group operates hotels across the UK and has 11 hotels in Ireland and 5 in Spain. The company welcomes millions of business and leisure customers every year and employs over 10,000 colleagues. With Staycations in the UK trending and set to stay, there has never been a better time than now to change careers or to even start a new career within the UK hospitality sector. The opportunities are endless!

The hospitality and tourism sector is a key revenue generator for the UK's broader economic and social success; delivering around ₤54b in Gross Value Added to the UK economy, around 3% of total UK economic output. It is 1 of the few UK industries where you can easily climb the career ladder. Joining Travelodge opens the door to training, coaching and great career progression. The company's successful in-house management development programme, Aspire, has helped thousands of entry level colleagues to progress within the business into a management job.

If you have passion, determination and a real desire to look after people then Travelodge will help you learn the rest. The company is dedicated to supporting parents by offering flexible working hours around the School run so that they can easily work and enjoy a successful career while raising their family. The company is looking to fill 600 jobs immediately across its UK hotels including 10 in the Region. Positions include:- full and part time roles with flexible working hours. Open positions in Liverpool include:- Assistant Hotel Manager, Bar Café Team Member, Housekeeping Team Member and Receptionist.

The company is also recruiting for 13 full time Maintenance Engineers to join its field team. Travelodge is the only UK budget hotel chain to have a dedicated in-house maintenance team of experts to support its hotels across the UK, and each Engineer is given their own network of hotels to service. Engineers receive a branded, fully-equipped vehicle to enable them to travel across their network, as well as a comprehensive personal package including a branded uniform and high quality tools.

For further details on all positions at Travelodge and to apply, please visit:- Travelodge.Co.UK/Careers Craig Bonnar, Travelodge Chief Executive, said:- "The start of a new year is a great opportunity to kick start a new career change and joining the UK hospitality sector can be the best decision that you make. Working in the hotel industry is fun and exciting and it opens a door to a world of opportunities. We are currently searching for 600 new colleagues including 10 in Liverpool, who have a passion, determination and a real desire to look after people and in return we will provide training, coaching and a dedicated career path. Our in-house management development programme, Aspire, has helped thousands of entry level colleagues into a management job. Travelodge is also a great choice for mums and dads looking to begin or restart their career. Our 'Parents Programme' offers jobs close to home, hours that can match the School run, benefits that suit families and a path into management. It is the 1 stop programme to help parents work, raise their family and keep 1 foot firmly on the career ladder too.'"

Travelodge offers a great range of employee benefits available from the 1st day of employment. These benefits include:-

► 50% off Travelodge's 582 UK hotels.

► Room discounts for family and friends.

► Work anniversary complementary booking voucher.

► Pension scheme.

► Discounts at a range of retailers.

► Employee Assistance Programme.

► Life Assurance.