Plans for the regeneration of the Millbay area in Plymouth, Devon have included some dubious drawings for a building very similar to the Burj al Arab in Dubai. The Burj has hired a firm of top lawyers and a letter has now been sent to the English Cities Fund. The gist of it is that this proposed building could ruin the Burj’s global marketing plan.
According to English Cities Fund project director Howard Morris; "In the same way that much of Dubai is being reclaimed from the sea and desert sands, the transformation of Millbay from derelict docksides is going to be equally spectacular - and a lot closer to home. Millbay will bring benefits for and will be enjoyed by everyone in the city and not just a privileged few”.
If this is to be believed then the Burj’s lawyers have a good case but I would imagine I’m not in the minority of those that would far rather visit Dubai than Devon. The plans are really where the similarities end…unless Millbank is planning a 7 star hotel with more gold interior than Mr T’s neckline, bathed in year-round sunshine at £14,000 per room. Oh, and it’s exotically called the Clyde Quay Tower.